METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REMOVING A CABLE FOIL

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for removing a cable foil from a cable section of an electrical cable to be processed, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In electrical cables, cable foils are sometimes used for electromagnetic shielding, mechanical protection, and / or moisture protection of other cable components, such as electrical conductors, cable shield braids, and insulators or dielectrics. For example, in electrical cables, it is often important that an insulating layer that insulates the electrical conductor is protected against moisture. Even moisture in the form of vapor can damage the insulation. Furthermore, a cable foil can be provided as a separating layer between a cable shield braid and the cable (outer) sheath, making it easier - or even impossible - to remove the cable sheath during a stripping process. Otherwise, the cable sheath could become mechanically caught or stuck in the underlying cable shield braid during stripping.

[0003] Depending on their application, cable foils can also be referred to as "shielding foils," "insulating foils," or "protective foils." The term "cable foils" chosen here is intended to cover all areas of application. Such cable foils can consist of a single base material, e.g., a layer of an insulating material, such as a plastic, or a layer of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal. However, composite foils consisting of at least two layers, in particular at least two layers of different base materials, are also frequently used. For background information, reference is made to DE 10 2015 106 129 A1, which describes a single-sided molten aluminum-plastic composite foil and its manufacturing process.Reference is also made to DE 100 26 714 A1, which describes a halogen-free composite film, a method for its production, and its use in the production of flexible ribbon cables. If an electrical cable is to be automatically assembled with a cable film and at least partially stripped in this process, it is often necessary to remove the cable film at the appropriate points during the stripping process. Since tear-resistant or mechanically robust films are often used, this is generally complex and only possible manually. The process of removing the cable film is time-consuming and prevents fully automated cable assembly. To simplify the stripping or removal of the cable film, WO 2007 / 104402 A1 proposes manufacturing the cable or cable film in such a way that the cable film can then be removed more easily.The foil is manufactured with a number of spaced-apart embossings, which weaken the foil material. This can make manual stripping easier. However, the disadvantage is that the cable foil is then mechanically weakened across the entire cable, including the area of ​​the cable where the cable foil is not intended to be removed. Intentionally weakening the foil material can therefore be counterproductive. Furthermore, the manufacturing process for the cable foil is significantly more complex, as the embossings must be applied in such a way that they do not penetrate the foil, as the aforementioned moisture protection must usually be ensured.

[0004] One problem, particularly with automated removal of the foil, is that the foil is naturally very thin compared to the other components of the cable. For this reason, when attempting to cut through the cable foil, it is difficult in practice to avoid at least superficially cutting or scoring the underlying components of the cable and thus damaging them. A particular problem when cutting into the cable foil is that, due to tolerances or in practice, the cable often does not have a uniformly circular cross-section, and the depth of the cut can therefore vary. Damage to an insulation layer due to an unintentionally deep cut can jeopardize the dielectric strength and mechanical robustness or resistance of the insulation layer. Similarly, the conductivity and mechanical robustness, in particular brittleness, of electrical conductors can be reduced if there is damage.A standard cable shield braid made of copper, e.g., coated with tin, can be particularly susceptible to this. The damaged cable shield braid can subsequently break at the damaged areas when the cable is subjected to stress, which can compromise the cable's grounding and electromagnetic integrity.

[0005] To avoid the problem of damage to cable components beneath the cable foil when cutting the foil, DE 10 2004 047 384 B3 discloses a special cable in which a filler layer is provided beneath the cable foil. When cutting through the foil, the knife blade only damages the filler layer, as a "sacrificial material." A cable constructed in this way can then be prepared for assembly using simple stripping tools. However, a cable equipped in this way is complex and therefore expensive to manufacture, has increased weight, and has an enlarged circumference, making it impractical in practice.

[0006] A suitable solution for removing the cable foil during an automated process cannot be found in the entire prior art known to date. Although the generic EP 3 089 294 A1 discloses a cable processing device and a method for removing a shielding foil from a shielded, multi-core round cable, the shielding foil is cut with a knife in this device. The attempt is made to cut in such a way that the underlying insulation or cable cores are not damaged. To make this principle possible without causing damage, special cable types and specially shaped knives are required.Furthermore, in practice it cannot be ruled out that such a cable processing device could still cause damage to the cable components beneath the cable foil, particularly if the cable does not have a completely uniform circular cross-section, cannot be guided precisely, and the blades cannot glide symmetrically over the cable sheath at a constant distance from the cable's center axis. Even the smallest unevenness and tolerances can lead to damage if, due to tolerances, the blade penetrates deeper than intended in some places on the cable. A further problem with the automated removal of a cable foil arises when the cable foil surrounding the cable is pulled off axially. Automated removal of the cable foil is not always possible, particularly with cables with a large diameter or when the section of cable foil to be removed is comparatively long.As a rule, the cable foil must therefore be unbundled or removed manually.

[0007] For further background on cable processing, reference is made to the following publications. US 5,072,632 A relates to cable stripping machines that strip the ends of multi-core shielded and sheathed cables. In particular, the provision is made for first compressing a braided shield of the cable along the longitudinal axis of the cable before cutting. US 2015 / 357094 A1 relates to a similar subject matter. Furthermore, DE 43 27 356 A1 relates to a device for at least partially stripping insulation from stranded conductors provided with insulation, comprising a cutting device that radially separates the insulation, a cutting device, and a clamping device for the stranded conductor.Furthermore, WO 2015 / 125129 A1 proposes a method for removing a cable foil from an electrical cable using a laser, and JP H06 22425 A relates to a device for stripping a cable sheath from an electrical conductor, which cuts the cable sheath without severing the conductor. EP 2 871 734 A1 relates to a device for removing an inner sheath of the electrical conductors of a cable, wherein a cable foil previously exposed from a cable shield braid is removed from a cable using compressed air and a milling head.

[0008] In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for removing a cable foil, in which the cable foil can be removed from the cable section to be processed simply, reliably and without damaging the cable.

[0009] The problem is solved for the method with the features listed in claim 1.

[0010] The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

[0011] According to the invention, a method is provided for removing a cable foil from a cable section of an electrical cable to be processed.

[0012] The cable section to be processed can be a cable end piece or a cable window (the section of the cable between the end pieces that has been stripped of its sheath).

[0013] Preferably, the cable section to be processed is at least partially stripped for electrical and / or mechanical connection or contacting with a connector, an electrical device, and / or for electrical and / or mechanical fastening to a component independent of the cable (e.g., a device housing or a vehicle body part). For example, it may be provided that the cable section to be processed is electrically and / or mechanically connected to a connector, another cable, and / or a ground terminal.

[0014] Depending on the structure of the electrical cable, it may be necessary to remove the cable foil in a corresponding step to reach the structures located even deeper within the cable. This is where the present invention comes in.

[0015] The electrical cable can be any electrical cable with one or more inner conductors and / or one or more outer conductors. The invention is particularly advantageously suited for removing the cable foil from electrical cables with a large cross-section for high current transmission, for example in the automotive sector, particularly preferably in the field of electromobility.

[0016] For example, the invention can be advantageously used with a single-core coaxial cable for transmitting electrical power, which cable, in particular, has a structure consisting of an outer cable sheath, followed by a cable foil, followed by a cable shield braid, followed by a dielectric or insulator, and finally followed by an inner conductor. In such a cable, a ring-shaped ground connection of a connector is often first connected to the cable shield braid during assembly, with the cable shield braid or outer conductor being turned back after it has been exposed, which can simultaneously provide reliable strain relief. Prior to this, the cable foil must first be removed during the exposure of the cable shield braid.

[0017] However, as mentioned above, the cable foil can be located anywhere within the cable relative to one or more inner conductors, any electrical insulator, any cable shield braid, and the cable jacket.

[0018] For example, the invention can also be suitable for processing a cable section of a cable whose structure consists in particular of an outer cable sheath, followed by a cable shield braid, followed by the cable foil and finally followed by further components, for example an insulator and one or more inner conductors. In this case, the cable foil can be partially exposed by at least partially stripping or removing the cable sheath and the underlying cable shield braid. It can also be provided that the cable sheath is removed and the cable shield braid is only raised or folded back, wherein the cable shield braid can be folded over without further processing or can also be additionally cut to length and / or unbraided. Finally, only the accessibility of the cable foil must be ensured for further processing according to the invention.

[0019] According to the invention, the cable foil is compressed in the axial direction along the cable center axis before the cable foil is removed from the cable section to be processed.

[0020] The inventor has recognized in the present case that pulling the cable foil off the cable in the axial direction can be simplified, in particular for long sections of the cable foil to be removed or in the case of cables with a large diameter, if the cable foil is previously compressed, preferably counter to the pulling direction.

[0021] By compressing the cable foil, the cable foil can initially be loosened on the cable, which can simplify subsequent removal. For example, a material-to-material or adhesive bond between the cable foil and the underlying structures, such as a cable shield braid or an insulator, can be at least partially released or loosened.

[0022] By compressing the cable foil, it can also be loosened and thus prevented from further radially contracting a wound cable foil when pulled off and an existing frictional connection of the cable foil to the cable increases with increasing tensile force and counteracts the pulling off.

[0023] Preferably, compression is carried out in the opposite direction to the winding direction of the cable foil.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a sheath enveloping the cable foil is compressed in order to compress the cable foil indirectly.

[0025] In this case, the sheath can compress the cable foil, in particular over an elongated section running along the axial direction.

[0026] In principle, the (previously exposed) cable foil can also be compressed directly. However, indirect compression of the cable foil using an enveloping sheath can achieve even better results, as the limited radial mobility of the cable foil can allow for more targeted compression along the axial direction.

[0027] In a further development, a cable sheath of the cable or a gripping means extending in the axial direction or a sheath applied to the at least partially exposed cable foil can be used as the sheath enveloping the cable foil.

[0028] The sheath surrounding the cable foil is preferably the cable sheath itself. However, it can also be a cable braid or an electrically insulating shield. This allows existing sheath structures to be used advantageously for indirectly compressing the cable foil.

[0029] However, it can also be provided that a sleeve is applied to a previously exposed cable foil in order to indirectly compress the cable foil by compressing the sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve extends in the axial direction along a section of the cable foil to be removed, particularly preferably over the entire section of the cable foil to be removed.

[0030] The sheath can be an elongated sheath, for example, a flexible hollow body, e.g., a hose. The sheath can be designed to fit at least partially annularly, preferably completely circumferentially, around the cable foil. The sheath can, for example, be axially slit so that it can be applied to the cable foil by elastic bending. The sheath can also be a sleeve, in particular a non-elastic hollow body.

[0031] A gripping means may also be provided to form the sheath. The gripping means may, in particular, be a component of the holding devices and / or fixing devices described below, which grip the cable, the cable sheath, or the cable foil.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the cable sheath is cut before the cable foil is compressed.

[0033] The cable sheath can preferably be cut completely in a circular manner and thus severed. However, it can also be provided to cut only partially in a circular manner or in sections, leaving individual connecting webs, for example.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that the cable sheath is at least partially pulled off the cable foil in the axial direction (so-called partial pull-off) before the cable foil is compressed.

[0035] It may be provided that the cable foil is at least partially exposed in the cable section to be processed before the cable foil is compressed or further processed in any other way.

[0036] Preferably, the cable foil is exposed in such a way that it is accessible at least in the area where the cable foil is to be severed. For example, a cable sheath (or an outer conductor / cable shield braid) that is cut and subsequently severed in a known manner, e.g., using a knife, does not have to be completely removed from the cable before the cable foil is processed according to the invention.

[0037] The severed cable sheath, also referred to as stripped piece, can remain on the cable; preferably, the severed cable sheath is moved at least a small distance towards the nearby cable end in order to expose a section of the cable foil.

[0038] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the cable foil is compressed by holding the sheath at a first holding position and wherein the cable is held at a first fixing position spaced apart from the first holding position in the axial direction, after which the first holding position and the first fixing position are moved relative to one another.

[0039] In this way, the section of the cable foil running between the first holding position and the first fixing position can be compressed directly or indirectly.

[0040] The first and further holding positions or fixing positions described below each refer to an axial position along the cable or the sheath and can thus be moved together with the cable or the sheath with respect to a surrounding, absolute coordinate system.

[0041] The relative movement of the holding position to the fixing position can, for example, take place over an axial length of 10 cm or more, preferably over an axial length of up to 1 cm, particularly preferably over an axial length of up to 5 mm, very particularly preferably over an axial length of up to 1 mm, but for example also over an axial length of less than 1 mm.

[0042] In a further development, it can be provided that the first fixing position is located outside the cable section to be processed.

[0043] For example, the first holding position (and / or the further holding positions described below) can be located on a severed, front section of the cable sheath (stripping piece) and the first fixing position can be located on the section of the cable sheath or cable that is not processed within the scope of the invention.

[0044] It can be advantageous to space the first holding position (or a further holding position described below) from an exposed section of the cable foil in the axial direction. If the holding position is arranged too close to the exposed section or to the opened cable sheath, the compression can lead to the cable sheath being pushed back over the cable foil against the feed direction of the cable. This problem can at least be reduced by a corresponding distance between the holding position(s) and the exposed section of the cable foil. The distance to be maintained can, for example, be at least 10 cm, preferably at least 5 cm, particularly preferably at least 1 cm. The distance to be maintained is preferably selected such that the exposed section of the cable foil is not completely closed again by moving the cable sheath.Particularly preferably, the cable sheath should not be displaced by the compressing movement so far that the severed ends of the cable sheath touch each other and the piece of cable sheath that is to remain on the cable is displaced on the cable against the feed direction, as this can influence the stripping length.

[0045] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided, in particular, that the first holding position and the first fixing position are moved relative to one another by advancing the first fixing position toward the first holding position. In this case, the holding position can be held immobile.

[0046] Such a feed can be particularly advantageous if the first fixing position is located on the section of the cable sheath that has not been cut off or on the section of the cable that is not to be processed. The fixing position can, for example, be an axial position on the cable at which a feed device holds the cable and moves it in or against a feed direction during cable processing. An existing feed device and a pre-existing fixing position can thus be advantageously reused for compressing the cable foil.

[0047] In a further development, it can also be provided that the first holding position and the first fixing position are moved relative to each other by advancing the first holding position toward the first fixing position. In this case, the fixing position can be held immobile.

[0048] A combination, i.e. delivery on both sides, is also possible.

[0049] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the cable foil is compressed sequentially in several sections along the cable center axis.

[0050] Sectional compression can be advantageous, particularly when relatively long cable sections are to be processed or long sections of cable foil are to be removed.

[0051] The compression can preferably be performed sequentially in a staggered sequence. In particular, it can be provided to first compress a first section that is closest to the free end of the cable or the section of the cable to be processed, followed by a section that is arranged downstream of the first section in the axial direction opposite to the feed direction of the cable. A reverse sequence for compression in multiple sections or a random sequence can also be provided.

[0052] In a further development, it can be provided in particular that the cable foil is compressed in two, three, four, five or more sections.

[0053] The number of sections to be compressed can be determined by the skilled person depending on the length of the cable to be processed. For example, the cable foil can be compressed in sections that extend along the axial direction over a range of 2 cm or more, over a range of 3 cm or more, over a range of 4 cm or more, over a range of 5 cm or more, or over a range of 10 cm or more.

[0054] In a further development, it can be provided that different holding positions and / or fixing positions spaced apart in the axial direction are used along the cable center axis, wherein the sections to be compressed run between holding pairs each formed from a holding position and a fixing position, after which the holding position and fixing position of all formed holding pairs are moved sequentially towards one another.

[0055] A first fixing pair can be formed, for example, from the first holding position and the first fixing position. A second fixing pair can be formed, for example, from the second holding position and the second fixing position. A third fixing pair can be formed, for example, from the third holding position and the third fixing position. A fourth fixing pair can be formed, for example, from the fourth holding position and the fourth fixing position. A fifth fixing pair can be formed, for example, from the fifth holding position and the fifth fixing position.

[0056] It can be provided that the first holding position is closest to the free end of the cable or the cable section to be processed, with the second holding position being arranged downstream of the first holding position in the axial direction, opposite to the feed direction of the cable; this can be continued for optionally available, additional holding positions. The arrangement or sequence can be the same for the fixing positions.

[0057] In a preferred development, however, it can be provided that the first fixing position is used to form corresponding pairs with a plurality of holding positions, and wherein the first fixing position is sequentially advanced to the respective holding positions, while the holding positions remain unchanged.

[0058] Preferably, only a first fixing position is used, forming respective fixing pairs with multiple holding positions. This avoids re-gripping, particularly with regard to a fixing device.

[0059] A first fixing pair can then be formed, for example, from the first holding position and the first fixing position. A second fixing pair can then be formed, for example, from the second holding position and the first fixing position. A third fixing pair can then be formed, for example, from the third holding position and the first fixing position. A fourth fixing pair can then be formed, for example, from the fourth holding position and the first fixing position. A fifth fixing pair can then be formed, for example, from the fifth holding position and the first fixing position.

[0060] It can also be provided that the first holding position is used to form corresponding pairs with a plurality of fixing positions, and wherein the first holding position is sequentially delivered to the respective fixing positions while the fixing positions remain unchanged.

[0061] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that the casing is held at the at least one holding position and / or at the at least one fixing position by means of a cutting device and / or by means of a forming tool.

[0062] For example, the cutting device designed to strip the cable sheath can be used to securely grip the cable or cable sheath by partially cutting into the cable sheath at the holding position and / or the fixing position. However, a purely force-locking fixation of the cable or cable sheath at the holding position(s) or the fixing position(s) can also be provided.

[0063] It can also be provided that the cable or cable sheath is gripped force-fittingly at the holding position(s) and / or the fixing position(s) by means of a forming tool. The forming tool can, in particular, be a tool already used elsewhere in cable processing, for example, one or more blunt blades for heating or melting the cable foil, as described below.

[0064] According to the invention, in order to assist the removal of the cable foil, the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil is reduced at least partially in a ring, in sections or completely around the circumference in the area of ​​an intended tear position.

[0065] For example, it can be provided that the mechanical load capacity is reduced symmetrically around the circumference of the cable foil.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, it may also be provided that the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil is reduced along the cable center axis completely or in sections in the area of ​​the cable section to be processed.

[0067] According to the further training, "predetermined breaking points" can be introduced into the cable foil, the number and extent of which can be adapted to the application-specific cable, the cable foil and, if necessary, other parameters.

[0068] It may be provided that the cable foil is embossed and / or perforated in the area of ​​the intended tear position during the pre-processing, at least partially in a ring shape, completely or in sections, circumferentially along the circumference of the cable foil.

[0069] According to the invention, the mechanical load capacity of the cable foil is reduced before the cable foil is compressed.

[0070] In particular, this sequence allows the cable foil to be removed relatively easily from the cable or cable section by compressing and, if necessary, subsequently peeling it off. According to the invention, for the removal or to assist in the removal of the cable foil, at least one outer layer of the cable foil facing away from the cable center axis is subjected to a thermal treatment, a chemical treatment, an abrasive treatment, or a suction process, or is cut, at least in the region of the intended tear position, or a removal aid is glued to the cable foil and peeled off. This process step takes place before the cable foil is compressed.

[0071] By treating the cable foil only for removal or to assist in its removal, the cable foil can still provide its full protective effect (electromagnetic, mechanical, and / or sealing) in the untreated sections of the cable. This eliminates the need to manipulate the cable foil's mechanical strength during cable manufacturing, further simplifying cable production.

[0072] In principle, it is possible to pretreat the cable foil with a knife. However, the cable foil is preferably not cut during the processing described above. This prevents damage to the cable components located beneath the cable foil, especially if only the outer layer is treated.

[0073] A cable shield braid, for example, is often constructed from shield strands made of tinned copper. The tin layer on the copper ("skin") must generally not be damaged, as this could impair the cable's mechanical strength due to the brittleness of pure copper. A cable foil is often wrapped protectively around such a cable shield braid. The invention can be used particularly advantageously for removing such a cable foil, as damage to the underlying cable shield braid can be prevented.

[0074] Occasionally, however, the cable foil to be removed is also arranged beneath a cable shield braid and on another component of the cable, in particular a dielectric or an insulator. The invention can also be advantageously used with such a cable structure, since damage to the dielectric or insulator can then be ruled out. Damage to the dielectric or insulator can, for example, negatively impact its mechanical strength and thus its long-term stability. Furthermore, the insulating or electrical properties of the dielectric / insulator can be impaired.

[0075] Depending on the selected treatment of the cable foil, it is also possible to treat the cable foil completely or continuously, i.e. to treat the cable foil also in areas of the cable foil below the outer layer using the aforementioned variants for removal or to assist in removal, if this is not expected to impair the components of the electrical cable located beneath the cable foil.

[0076] Even if the treatment may extend beyond the outer layer into the inner layer or completely through the cable foil, it may be advantageous depending on the application to treat only the outer layer, since the protective effect of the cable foil can then be used to protect the cable components located beneath the cable foil during treatment using the variants of the process mentioned above.

[0077] It may be provided that, to assist in the removal of the cable foil, pre-processing is carried out before the removal of the cable foil, at least in the area of ​​the intended tear position, by one of the variants (thermal treatment, chemical treatment, abrasive treatment, cutting, suction process and / or removal aid).

[0078] In a further development of the invention, it can also be provided that, by means of the method according to the invention, a partially annular or annular circumferential tear is introduced into the cable foil at the intended tear position in such a way that the tear extends through the outer layer and preferably at least partially also through an inner layer of the cable foil located beneath the outer layer. This method step preferably takes place before the cable foil is compressed.

[0079] It can therefore be provided that a tear is introduced partially in the form of a ring, completely or partially circumferentially along the circumference of the cable foil and / or along the central axis of the cable, only in the outer layer or in part of the outer layer. However, it can also be provided that a tear is introduced partially in the form of a ring, completely or partially circumferentially along the circumference of the cable foil and / or along the central axis of the cable in the radial direction completely through the cable foil, i.e., through the outer layer and through the inner layer. A tear that only partially penetrates the inner layer of the cable foil is also possible.

[0080] A tear in the cable foil can represent a suitable predetermined breaking point or reduce the mechanical strength of the cable foil at the tear location to the desired extent. The type of tear—i.e., length, depth, and width, as well as, if necessary, the number of tears—can be determined by the specialist for the specific application.

[0081] In a further development, it can also be provided that the cable section to be processed is twisted and / or bent in such a way that the cable foil tears in the cable section to be processed, preferably in the intended tear position, in a partially annular or annular manner. This method step preferably takes place before the cable foil is compressed.

[0082] The basic idea of ​​this further development is to subject the cable foil, after one of the pre-treatment variants mentioned, to targeted mechanical stress at the corresponding point(s) in such a way that the cable foil tears preferably (but not necessarily exclusively) at the intended tear position.

[0083] If a crack has already been introduced at least partially into the cable foil and / or along the length of the foil, this crack can be widened by twisting and / or bending the cable section. If no crack was introduced previously, but the cable foil was merely weakened mechanically (invisibly), the crack can also develop by twisting and / or bending the cable section being repaired.

[0084] The inventor has recognized that, in particular, mechanical loading based on torsion and / or bending can lead to the desired result.

[0085] It may be intended that the pretreatment (thermal treatment, chemical treatment, abrasive treatment, cutting, suction, and / or peeling aid) creates a tear at least only in the outer layer of the cable foil. The outer layer is often a plastic film, while the inner layer—optionally present—is often formed as a metal layer. An inner layer formed in this way can be relatively easily broken or torn by twisting or bending, creating a tear.

[0086] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the thermal treatment comprises a melting process and / or a cooling process.

[0087] A melting process can melt parts of the cable foil, particularly in the area of ​​the outer layer. Instead of a melting process, evaporation of the cable foil, particularly in the area of ​​its outer layer, can also be provided.

[0088] A cooling process can be advantageous to at least temporarily increase the brittleness of the cable foil, especially in the outer layer. In particular, a freezing technique using liquid nitrogen or similar refrigerants can be used for this purpose.

[0089] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that at least one heated molding tool and / or at least one heating wire is used for the thermal treatment, in particular in order to melt or melt the cable foil.

[0090] The forming tool can preferably be a concavely shaped device similar to a cutting tool. Regardless of the shape of the forming tool, a blunt cutting blade can be provided, for example, which does not cut through the cable foil during thermal pre-processing, but is only able to melt through it in a targeted manner via the contact surfaces of the cutting edge. The tool cutting edge can, for example, be narrower or smaller than 10 mm, preferably smaller than 5 mm, for example also smaller than 2 or smaller than 1 mm. However, the cutting edge is preferably wider than 1 mm and is approximately 5 mm. If necessary, the heated forming tool can also be the forming tool with which the cable sheath is cut to expose the cable foil.

[0091] It may also be provided that a heating wire, a heating coil or a similar device is used, for example in a concave form or a form adapted to the cable or even in a linear form.

[0092] In particular, it can be provided that two, three, four, five or more forming tools and / or heating wires are used, which are arranged circumferentially around the cable in order to process the cable foil in a partially annular, completely or in sections circumferentially along the circumference of the cable foil.

[0093] It can be provided that the cable foil is only partially melted or melted in the area of ​​the outer layer. However, it can also be provided that the cable foil is completely melted or at least an inner layer located beneath the outer layer is partially melted.

[0094] In one embodiment, it can be provided that the cable, the at least one forming tool, and / or the at least one heating wire are rotated during the thermal treatment. In particular, it can be provided that the at least one forming tool and / or the at least one heating wire are moved circumferentially around the cable along the circumference of the cable during the thermal treatment.

[0095] Thus, in particular, forming tools and / or heating wires or the like can be used which have a linear structure, ie they do not encompass the cable or at least only partially.

[0096] In one embodiment, it can also be provided that a melting temperature is used for the melting process which is higher than the melting temperature of the outer layer of the cable foil, but lower than the melting temperature of the inner layer of the cable foil and / or the melting temperature of a cable shield braid or an insulator or dielectric (or another component) of the cable.

[0097] However, it can also be specified that the melting temperature is higher than the melting temperature of the outer and inner layers of the cable foil, but lower than the melting temperature of a cable braided shield or an insulator or dielectric (or other component) of the cable. This allows the cable foil to be completely melted without damaging any other components of the cable.

[0098] A melting temperature can be provided which does not adversely affect the cable sheath, any cable shielding braid, any dielectric or insulator and / or the at least one inner conductor of the cable.

[0099] In principle, any melting temperature can be used, especially if the melting process is very short and possibly only intended to melt the outer layer of the cable foil.

[0100] For example, the melting temperature of PET is 250°C to 400°C, which is significantly lower than the melting temperature of aluminum and silicone, which is frequently used as a cable sheath. A melting temperature above 250°C to 300°C may therefore be preferred. However, any melting temperature may be used, for example, a melting temperature in the range of 100°C to 1,000°C (or more), 200°C to 700°C (or more), or 250°C to 500°C (or more). For example, a melting temperature of 300°C to 400°C, particularly 360°C to 380°C, may be advantageous.

[0101] For the thermal treatment, it can also be provided that the cable foil is melted or melted using a directed (micro)flame, for example, a gas flame, and / or a laser. In this case, the cable is preferably rotated during the treatment.

[0102] As already mentioned above, a chemical treatment may also be provided. An acid or a base can be used, in particular an acid or base that only or primarily attacks the cable foil, in particular the outer layer of the cable foil. By using an acid or base, the outer layer and / or the inner layer of the cable foil can be removed, at least in the area of ​​the intended tear location, or at least their mechanical strength can be reduced.

[0103] In principle, however, any chemical treatment can be provided to reduce the mechanical load-bearing capacity, whereby a chemical reaction, in particular of the outer layer of the cable foil, can be triggered at least in the area of ​​the intended crack position, for example an oxidation, which reduces the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil.

[0104] To remove or assist in the removal of the cable foil, a suction process can also be provided, wherein, for example, using negative pressure, a suction tool, for example a concavely shaped suction tool, is applied at least in the area of ​​the intended tear position, wherein the outer layer and / or inner layer or the cable foil can be pulled off or torn off at least in the area of ​​the intended tear position.

[0105] The suction process can be used in particular to remove the cable foil, as a supplement or support to other treatments.

[0106] Furthermore, an abrasive treatment, in particular a grinding or brushing process, can be provided at least in the region of the intended crack position in order to at least partially remove the outer layer of the cable foil, in particular in order to reduce the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil.

[0107] Finally, it is also possible to glue a removal aid at least partially around the circumference of the cable foil or to bond it firmly to the outer layer of the cable foil, allowing the cable foil, or at least the outer layer, to be removed or torn off when the removal aid is removed. The remaining part of the cable foil, for example, the inner layer, subsequently exhibits reduced mechanical strength and can be vacuumed or removed in another way if necessary.

[0108] It is also possible to make a circular, sectionally, or partially circumferential cut in the cable foil using one or more knives, preferably shaped knives. If necessary, the cutting can be carried out in such a way that the cable sheath is simultaneously cut in a circular manner and the foil is perforated at least in the area of ​​an upper layer.

[0109] In one embodiment, it can be provided in particular that the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil is reduced by the pre-processing within the framework of the second module by reducing the torsional strength and / or the bending strength of the cable foil, in particular of the outer layer of the cable foil, and / or by increasing the brittleness of the cable foil, in particular of the outer layer of the cable foil, so that it breaks more easily mechanically.

[0110] In particular, the susceptibility to the formation of cracks should be increased in the area where the mechanical strength has been reduced.

[0111] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that one, two, three, four or more actuators (in particular linear motors or driven cylinders) and / or at least one eccentric are used to twist the cable section to be processed and / or to bend it along at least one degree of freedom.

[0112] Preferably, four actuators are provided to bend the cable section to be processed in at least two degrees of freedom. This makes it technically easy to create a break or crack in the area of ​​the cable foil to be processed, whose mechanical strength has previously been reduced.

[0113] It can be provided that the actuators strike the free end of the cable section, preferably in a chronological sequence. For example, a first actuator can be controlled to deliver a first strike against the free end, after which an opposing actuator delivers a strike, and then another pair of actuators strikes the free end in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The sequence of strikes can, in principle, be arbitrary.

[0114] It can also be provided that the actuators strike the free end of the cable section several times, for example each actuator twice, three times, four times or even more often.

[0115] It can be provided that the cable section to be processed is fixed during twisting and / or bending at one of the holding positions or at another position along the cable center axis, in particular by means of a holding device.

[0116] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that a composite film made up of at least two individual layers is used as the cable film, wherein the inner layer is formed from at least one of the individual layers and the outer layer is formed from the further individual layer(s), and wherein the inner layer preferably has a higher mechanical brittleness (ie a higher tendency to break under mechanical influence) than the outer layer.

[0117] Composite films can be understood as metallized plastic films or several individual films arranged one above the other.

[0118] The method according to the invention thus also includes the use of a suitable cable foil for an electrical cable to be processed.

[0119] Depending on the type of cable foil used, the method according to the invention can be optimally tailored to the electrical cable. In principle, however, any electrical cable can be provided with any cable foil.

[0120] In particular, a cable foil in the form of a composite foil consisting of two, three, four, five or more individual layers can be used.

[0121] Furthermore, a cable foil can also consist of a single base material. For example, a continuous polyester film, PET film, or metal foil (e.g., aluminum foil or copper foil) can be used. With a cable foil made of a single base material, the outer layer can comprise a first portion of the film thickness, and the inner layer a second portion of the film thickness. However, the outer layer can also comprise the entire material. The cable foil does not necessarily have to have an inner layer.

[0122] Preferably, a composite film consisting of two individual layers is used as the cable film, with the inner layer being formed from the individual layer with higher mechanical brittleness and the outer layer from the individual layer with lower mechanical brittleness. Accordingly, the inner layer of the cable film can be designed to break more easily under mechanical stress than the outer layer of the cable film.

[0123] In one embodiment, it can be provided in particular that a composite film made of a plastic, preferably PET (polyethylene terephthalate), and a metal, preferably aluminum, is used, wherein the outer layer is formed by a single layer of the plastic and the inner layer is formed by a further single layer of the metal.

[0124] A cable foil constructed in this way can thus have a brittle inner layer (e.g., a copper or aluminum layer) and a mechanically durable plastic outer layer (e.g., PET). The method according to the invention is particularly advantageous and effective for such composite foils, which are frequently used in electrical cables, since the durable outer layer can preferably be removed by one or more variants of the method, or at least manipulated so that it becomes brittle. Since the inner layer of such a composite foil is sensitive to mechanical stress without the protective outer layer, the cable foil can then be easily removed after removal of the outer layer at the intended tear position and the compression according to the invention.

[0125] In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the cable foil is removed from the cable section to be processed after the tear has been introduced by brushing the cable foil, blowing it off, unwinding it, stripping it off and / or pulling it off together with a cable sheath.

[0126] Particularly for automated removal of the cable foil, it can be advantageous to peel off the cable foil together with the cable sheath. For this purpose, it can be provided that, for example, in a cable section to be processed in the form of a cable end piece, the cable sheath is cut in a ring-shaped manner and peeled off longitudinally from the cable essentially in the region of the intended tear position along the cable center axis in order to expose the cable foil in the region of the intended tear position. The cable foil can then be pretreated to reduce its mechanical load-bearing capacity, after which the cable foil is compressed according to the invention, and after which the cable sheath is peeled off the electrical cable completely in the longitudinal direction or longitudinally along the cable center axis.Particularly when a composite foil consisting of a plastic outer layer and a metal inner layer is used, it is expected that the cable foil will adhere more strongly to the cable sheath than, for example, to an internal cable shield braid. Accordingly, the cable foil can be advantageously compressed by compressing the cable sheath and then slide over the internal cable shield braid or an inner conductor while being removed with the cable sheath.

[0127] To strip the cable sheath and / or the cable foil from the cable section to be processed, the cutting device that was previously used for the partial stripping of the cable sheath can be used, in particular one or more stripping blades that are fed radially in the direction of the cable center axis and then pull the cable sheath and / or the cable foil off axially, for example by a separate feed device pulling the cable out of the device against the feed direction with the cutting device partially closed.

[0128] In principle, multiple cable foils can be provided within an electrical cable. For example, a first cable foil can be provided between the cable sheath and the cable braided shield, and a second cable foil can be provided between the dielectric or an insulator and the inner conductor. The invention can also be used to remove multiple cable foils from an electrical cable.

[0129] An embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for removing a cable foil from a cable section of an electrical cable to be processed, wherein the cable foil is at least partially exposed in the cable section to be processed, after which at least one annular tear is introduced into the cable foil in the region of the cable section to be processed, after which the cable foil is compressed and subsequently removed from the cable section to be processed. It is provided that at least the following steps are provided for introducing the annular tear: Pre-processing at least one outer layer of the cable foil facing away from the cable center axis at least in the region of an intended tear position extending at least partially around a ring, wherein the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the outer layer in the region of the intended tear position is at least reduced by the pre-treatment; twisting and / or bending the cable section to be processed such that an inner layer of the cable foil located beneath the pre-treated outer layer tears in a partially ring-shaped or ring-shaped manner.

[0130] According to an embodiment that is not part of the invention but is described merely for illustrative purposes, a device is provided for the automated removal of a cable foil from a cable section of an electrical cable to be processed. The device has at least one holding device for holding a sheath that at least partially envelops the cable foil in a first holding position along the cable center axis. The device further has a fixing device for holding the cable in a first fixing position. The holding device and the fixing device are designed such that they can be adjusted relative to one another in order to directly or indirectly compress the cable foil.The device is configured to assist in the removal of the cable foil by reducing the mechanical strength of the cable foil at least partially, in sections, or completely around the circumference in the region of a designated tear position before the cable foil is compressed. To remove or assist in the removal of the cable foil, the device is configured to subject at least one outer layer of the cable foil facing away from the cable center axis to a thermal treatment, a chemical treatment, an abrasive treatment, and / or a suction process, and / or to cut it, and / or to adhere and peel off a removal aid to the cable foil, at least in the region of the designated tear position.

[0131] The sheath may preferably be the cable sheath or one of the alternatives already mentioned above.

[0132] In a further development, it can be provided that the fixing device can be fed along a feed direction for the cable to be processed onto the holding device in order to compress the cable foil.

[0133] However, it can also be provided that the holding device can be fed against a feed direction for the cable to be processed onto the fixing device in order to compress the cable foil.

[0134] Simultaneous delivery of the fixing device to the holding device and of the holding device to the fixing device can also be provided.

[0135] The feed direction is the direction along which the cable, for example starting from a cable drum, can be fed into the device with its free end or with the cable section to be processed.

[0136] In a further development, it can be provided that the holding device and / or the fixing device is designed to move to a plurality of positions spaced apart from one another in the axial direction in order to hold the sheath and to indirectly compress the cable foil by a relative feed movement of the holding device to the fixing device.

[0137] Preferably, the holding device is designed as a stripping knife, forming tool or other device that can be radially delivered to the cable.

[0138] According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one heating wire, at least one forming tool, at least one cold supply device, at least one pulling aid, at least one suction device, at least one cutting device and / or at least one supply device for chemical substances can be provided in order to treat at least one outer layer of the cable foil which is at least partially exposed in the region of the cable section to be processed and which is facing away from the cable center axis, in order to remove the cable foil or to at least reduce the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil in order to assist in the removal of the cable foil, wherein means can also be provided for twisting and / or bending the cable section to be processed.

[0139] In an advantageous further development, it can be provided that a cutting device for cutting the cable is arranged downstream of the fixing device along the feed direction, and wherein a forming tool for melting or melting the cable foil in a provided tear position is arranged downstream of the cutting device along the feed direction, and wherein at least one linear actuator for twisting and / or bending the cable foil is arranged downstream of the forming tool along the feed direction.

[0140] The method according to the invention is particularly advantageously suitable for use with a device for the automated removal of a cable foil, since the method according to the invention discloses a technically simple possibility of removing the cable foil from the electrical cable without damaging other components of the cable.

[0141] This disclosure also relates to a system for assembling electrical cables, comprising a device for cutting the electrical cable to length and / or a device for stripping and / or stripping various layers of the electrical cable and / or a device for opening, erecting and / or folding back a cable shield braid and / or a device for applying and contacting a connector part, as well as a device for the automated removal of a cable foil according to the above embodiments.

[0142] Such a fully automated assembly system using a device for the automated removal of a cable foil with the steps of the method described above is now possible for the first time according to the invention without damaging the cable components located beneath the cable foil. Previously, it was necessary to remove the cable foil manually, i.e., by hand, within such a system, which was laborious.

[0143] With regard to the system for assembling electrical cables, it is advisable to arrange the corresponding equipment as an "assembly line process" or as a "synchronous machine" in successive individual steps in order to reduce the processing time in mass processing.

[0144] This disclosure also relates to a computer program product having program code means for carrying out a method according to the above and following statements when the program is executed on a control unit of a device for the automated removal of a cable foil.

[0145] The control unit can be embodied as a microprocessor. Instead of a microprocessor, any other device can be provided for implementing the control unit and / or control device, for example, one or more arrangements of discrete electrical components on a circuit board, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or another programmable circuit, for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), and / or a commercially available computer.

[0146] Additionally, terms such as "comprising," "having," or "with" do not exclude other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "the," which indicate a singular number of steps or features, do not exclude a plurality of steps or features.

[0147] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with one another. Features of one 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 useful combinations and subcombinations with features of other embodiments. In the figures, functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0148] They show schematically: Fig. 1 shows a cross-section of an electrical coaxial cable with an inner conductor, a cable shield braid, and a cable foil; Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of an electrical cable with four inner conductors, a cable shield braid, and a cable foil; Fig. 3 shows a cross-section of an electrical cable with two inner conductors, a cable shield braid, and a cable foil; Fig. 4 shows an isometric representation of an electrical cable according to Fig. 1 with a circularly incised cable sheath; Fig. 5 an isometric view of the electrical cable according to Fig. 4 with partially removed cable sheath and exposed cable foil; Fig. 6 the electrical cable according to Fig. 5 after a partial ring-shaped pre-processing of the cable foil to reduce its mechanical load capacity; Fig. 7 the electrical cable according to Fig. 6 during the bending of the cable section to be processed; Fig. 8the electrical cable according to Fig. 7during the compression according to the invention; Fig. 9 the electrical cable according to Fig. 8 during the removal of the cable foil together with the cable sheath; Fig. 10the electrical cable according to Fig. 9with an inverted cable shield braid; Fig. 11 the use of four actuators for bending the cable section to be processed; Fig. 12 the use of a rotation device or an eccentric for twisting or bending the cable section to be processed; Fig. 13 the use of two heated forming tools for the thermal treatment of the cable foil; Fig. 14 another example of the use of two heated forming tools for the thermal treatment of the cable foil; Fig. 15 the use of a heating wire for the thermal treatment of the cable foil; Fig. 16 the use of a feed device for chemical substances for the treatment of the cable foil; Fig. 17 the use of a removal aid for the treatment of the cable foil; Fig. 18 the use of a wire brush for the treatment of the cable foil; Fig. 19 an isometric representation of an electrical cable according to Fig. 1during the removal of the cable sheath in the form of a cable window; Fig. 20 the electrical cable according to Fig. 19 with an exposed and treated cable foil in a window-shaped cable section; Fig. 21 shows a device for the automated removal of a cable foil from a cable section of an electrical cable to be processed; Fig. 22 shows a basic use of a device for the automated removal of a cable foil from a cable section of an electrical cable to be processed for compressing the cable foil according to the invention; and Fig. 23 shows a system for assembling electrical cables.

[0149] In Fig. 11 shows a cross-section of an electrical cable 1 to which the method according to the invention can be advantageously applied. The electrical cable 1, which is shown purely as an example and highly schematic in terms of size, is a coaxial cable with an inner conductor 2 that is electrically insulated from a cable shield braid or outer conductor 4 by an insulator / dielectric or insulating material 3. The insulating material 3 can be silicone rubber, for example. A cable foil 5 is arranged around the cable shield braid 4. Finally, the electrical cable 1 is surrounded by a cable sheath 6. All components of the electrical cable 1 are arranged coaxially to a common cable center axis M.The cable shield braid 4 in this case fulfils the function of electromagnetic shielding and the electrical return conductor and can, for example, be constructed from copper with a protective tin layer ("drawn skin") applied to the outer circumference.

[0150] In principle, the invention can be used for any cable structure, in particular for a cable in which the cable shield braid or the outer conductor 4 is arranged directly beneath the cable sheath 6 and directly above the cable foil 5. The insulation material 3 can then, for example, be placed directly beneath the cable foil 5.

[0151] Depending on the structure of the cable foil 5, the cable foil 5 can further improve the electromagnetic shielding, ensure the mechanical stability and / or tightness, in particular against moisture, and prevent the cable sheath 6 from becoming wedged against the cable shield braid 4 or against the individual strands of the cable shield braid 4, which may make it possible to strip the cable sheath 6 from the cable shield braid 4 during stripping.

[0152] It is known that such a cable foil 5, which can in principle be arranged anywhere within the cable 1, for example, between the cable shield braid 4 and the insulation material 3 or between the insulation material 3 and the inner conductor 2, can only be removed manually and with considerable effort during cable assembly. The reason for this is the desired high mechanical strength of the cable foil 5.

[0153] In principle, multiple cable foils 5 can also be provided within the electrical cable 1; for example, another cable foil 5 can be provided between the insulation material 3 and the inner conductor 2 (not the case in the exemplary embodiment). The invention can thus also be used to remove multiple cable foils 5 from an electrical cable 1.

[0154] The Fig. 1 The electrical cable 1 shown is merely one of a plurality of electrical cables 1 whose cable foil(s) 5 can be removed using the method according to the invention. As a further example, the Figures 2 and 3 In principle, however, the invention is of course not limited to use with a specific type of cable 1.

[0155] Fig. 2 shows a substantially Fig. 1identical cable 1. However, this has four inner conductors 2, each of which is electrically insulated from one another (not shown for the sake of simplicity). The invention is therefore not to be understood as being limited to the use of a cable 1 with a specific number of inner conductors 2. Furthermore, the invention is not to be understood as being limited to a cable 1 in which insulation material 3 and / or cable shielding braid 4 are present at all. The invention can also be used, for example, for removing the cable foil 5 of an electrical cable 1 that has only one or more inner conductors 2 in the form of strands, which are each or jointly surrounded by a cable foil 5.

[0156] Fig. 3shows, by way of example, another electrical cable 1 that can be processed according to the invention. The electrical cable 1 shown is particularly suitable as a cable 1 for use with electric vehicle drives. The cable 1 has two inner conductors 2, each surrounded by the insulating material 3. In order to achieve the most round overall cross-section possible for the cable 1, the two separately insulated inner conductors 2 are surrounded by a filler material 3'. The cable shield braid 4, which is covered by the cable foil 5, runs on the filler material 3'. Finally, the Fig. 3 a cable sheath 6 is provided which envelops the cable foil 5.

[0157] In the Figures 4 to 9 Cable processing with method steps according to the invention is shown as an example.

[0158] Fig. 10shows a further, optional step for turning the cable shield braid 4 inside out. If the cable shield braid 4 is arranged directly under the cable sheath 6 and above the cable foil 5, the turning of the cable shield braid 4 can be performed as part of exposing the cable foil 5, but possibly also after stripping the cable sheath 6.

[0159] The Figures 4 to 10 Each shows an isometric view of the electrical cable 1 with the cable section A to be processed. The cable section A shown here is an end section of the electrical cable 1.

[0160] It may be provided that the cable foil 5 in the cable section A to be processed is first exposed at least partially, as for example in the Figures 4 and 5For this purpose, the cable sheath 6 can be cut at least partially circumferentially in a known manner, in particular using a knife 7 (only schematically indicated), preferably in such a way that one or more webs or a narrow circumferential cable sheath ring remain and the underlying cable foil 5 thus remains as undamaged as possible. Fig. 4 shows a completely circumferential cut 8, which defines the length of the cable section A to be processed along the longitudinal axis or cable center axis M.

[0161] The cutting and the removal or partial removal of the cable sheath 5 with the knife 7 is preferably carried out automatically.

[0162] In Fig. 5It is shown that after the cut 8 has been made, the cable sheath 6 is at least partially pulled off the electrical cable 1 in the longitudinal direction (along the cable center axis M) in the direction of the arrow such that the cable foil 5 is at least partially exposed and accessible for the subsequent process steps.

[0163] In most cases, the cable foil 5 is wound in strips on the underlying components of the cable 1, in this case the cable shielding braid 4, or spirally, as shown in the Figures 5 to 9 and in the Figures 19 to 21 However, this is not necessarily the case.

[0164] It is provided in the embodiment, as in Fig. 6indicated, after exposing the cable foil 5 and before removing the cable foil 5, at least in an outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5 facing away from the cable center axis M, the mechanical load capacity of the cable foil 5 is to be reduced at least in the area of ​​a designated crack position RP. The designated crack position RP is in Fig. 6 indicated and is preferably located at or near the cut edge of the remaining cable sheath 6.

[0165] In Fig. 6Furthermore, an enlarged section of the intended tear position RP is shown, which shows a schematic section through the cable foil 5, wherein the surrounding and internal regions of the cable 1 are not shown for the sake of simplicity. In the detailed view, firstly, the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5 and also an inner layer 10 of the cable foil 5 located beneath the outer layer 9 are shown. The cable foil 5 shown in the exemplary embodiment is a composite foil comprising at least two individual layers, wherein the inner layer 10 is formed from at least one of the individual layers and the outer layer 9 is formed from the further individual layer(s) (in this case, a second individual layer), and wherein the inner layer 10 is preferably formed such that it breaks mechanically more easily than the outer layer 9.In particular, it can be provided that a composite film made of a plastic, preferably PET, and a metal, preferably aluminum or copper, is used, wherein the outer layer 9 consists of a single layer of the plastic and the inner layer 10 consists of a further single layer of the metal.

[0166] In principle, it is also possible for a cable foil 5 to consist of only a single individual layer or a single base material. The outer layer 9 can comprise the entire cable foil 5 or a partial area, with the inner layer 10 comprising the remaining area or no inner layer 10 being provided. It is also possible for several cable foils 5, each consisting of a single layer (or several individual layers), to be used in layers one above the other. This is also to be understood as a cable foil 5 or composite foil according to the invention.

[0167] In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the mechanical load capacity is reduced at least partially in a ring shape, completely or in sections circumferentially along the circumference of the cable foil 5.

[0168] In particular, the mechanical strength of the cable foil 5 can be reduced by (partial) removal of the outer layer 9, embossing of the outer layer 9 or perforating the outer layer 9. For example, it can be provided that a tear 11 is introduced into the cable foil 5 at the intended tear position RP in such a way that the tear 11 extends through the outer layer 9 (as in Fig. 6 shown) and preferably extends at least partially through the inner layer 10 of the cable foil 5 located beneath the outer layer 9.

[0169] In the exemplary embodiment, the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil 5 can be reduced, in particular, by reducing the torsional strength and / or the flexural strength of the cable foil 5, in particular of the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5, and / or by increasing the brittleness of the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5. A tear 11 or any other visually visible influence on the cable foil 5 is not absolutely necessary—the mechanical influence can also be invisible, for example, through chemical changes in the cable foil 5.

[0170] In the detailed view of the Fig. 6A partially annular crack 11 is shown at the intended crack position RP, or the outer layer 9 has been partially eroded / removed along the circumference of the cable foil 5. The resulting predetermined breaking point may, if necessary, be sufficient to subsequently easily remove the cable foil 5. However, the mechanical load-bearing capacity is preferably reduced as completely as possible around the circumference of the cable foil 5, or the outer layer 9 is removed as completely as possible. A partially annular crack 11 is shown here primarily to clarify and illustrate the outer layer 9 and the inner layer 10 in a joint representation.

[0171] According to the invention, a thermal treatment, a chemical treatment, an abrasive treatment, a suction process, and / or the bonding and peeling of a removal aid 12 can be provided to remove the cable foil 5 or to assist the removal of the cable foil 5, in particular by reducing the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil 5, particularly in the tear position RP, through the aforementioned measures. The cable foil 5 can also be cut.

[0172] The thermal treatment may in particular include a melting process. Figures 13 to 15 Two possibilities for thermal pre-processing in the form of a melting process are shown schematically.

[0173] In Fig. 13is shown how two heated forming tools 13 are fed to both sides of the cable foil 5 or to the cable 1 in the area of ​​the intended tear position RP. The heated contact surfaces 14 of the forming tools 13 can, for example, be blunt tool cutting edges, for example with a width of 1 mm or more, which, however, are not capable of cutting into the cable foil 5. As an alternative to the use of two forming tools 13, only one forming tool 13 or three, four or more forming tools 13 can be used. If necessary, webs can also remain in the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5 along the circumference of the cable foil 5 between the forming tools 13 after melting. If one or more forming tools 13 are used which do not completely enclose the cable foil 5, the forming tool 13 and / or the electrical cable 5 can, if necessary,rotated to allow melting along the circumference of the cable 1.

[0174] In principle, it can optionally be provided that the at least one forming tool 13 is moved around the cable 1 along the circumference of the cable 1 during processing.

[0175] In Fig. 14 Another possible embodiment for the thermal treatment is shown, in which two heated forming tools 13 are again applied to both sides of the cable foil 5 and the cable 1. The forming tools 13 are offset in the axial direction and move past each other during the application to the cable 1. This allows for advantageous centering of the cable 1 between the forming tools 13, which can improve the processing of the cable foil 5.

[0176] Another example of a thermal treatment for melting or melting the cable foil 5 at least in the area of ​​the intended crack position RP is shown in Fig. 15Instead of a heated forming tool 13, a heating wire or a heating coil 15 is used here, whereby the cable 1 (alternatively or additionally also the heating wire 15) can be rotated during pre-processing, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. 15 indicated.

[0177] Preferably, a melting temperature is used for the melting process that is greater than the melting temperature of the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5, but lower than the melting temperature of the inner layer 10 of the cable foil 5 and / or the melting temperature of other components of the cable 1, in particular the cable shield braid 4, the insulation material 3 and / or the at least one inner conductor 2 of the cable 1. For example, a melting temperature of 100°C to 1,000°C or more, preferably 200°C to 800°C, particularly preferably 300°C to 700°C and most particularly preferably 300°C to 400°C, for example 360°C to 380°C, can be provided. The melting temperature can be adjustable.

[0178] It may also be intended, contrary to the detailed view in Fig. 6to remove not only the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5, but also the inner layer 10 of the cable foil 5 or to reduce its mechanical load-bearing capacity (by any variant according to the invention for removing or assisting the removal of the cable foil).

[0179] For example, it may be provided to select a melting temperature such that the outer layer 9 and the inner layer 10 of the cable foil 5 are melted, while the components of the electrical cable 1 located underneath remain undamaged.

[0180] The thermal treatment can also be designed in such a way that the cable foil 5 is thermally removed or melted over at least a partial length, if necessary over the entire length of the cable section A to be processed.

[0181] During thermal treatment, a cooling process may also be provided. For example, freezing using liquid nitrogen or another coolant may be provided at least in the area of ​​the intended crack position RP, which can increase the brittleness of at least the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5.

[0182] In the Figures 16 to 18 Further possibilities for reducing the mechanical load capacity of the cable foil 5, and if necessary also for the immediate complete removal of the cable foil 5, are shown schematically.

[0183] In Fig. 16A feed device 16 for chemical substances is shown, through which a chemical treatment can be carried out. For example, an acid, a base, or another chemical substance that triggers a reaction with the material of the cable foil 5, in particular with the outer layer 9, for example in the form of oxidation, can be fed through the feed device 16, thereby reducing the mechanical strength of the cable foil 5. Furthermore, the aforementioned liquid nitrogen can be fed through the feed device 16 (although a separate cooling supply device can also be provided for this purpose). Preferably, the cable 1 (or the feed device 16) can be rotated during the feed of the chemical substance.

[0184] In Fig. 171 shows a pre-treatment with a removal aid 12. The removal aid 12 is glued to the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5 at least in the area of ​​the intended tear position RP or is integrally connected to the outer layer 9, after which the removal aid 12 is moved radially away from the cable center axis M in the direction of the arrow, whereby the cable foil 5, or at least the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5, is torn in / teared off. If necessary, the cable foil 5 can already be completely removed in this way. Several removal aids 12 can also be arranged distributed along the circumference of the cable foil 5, for example two, three, four or even more removal aids 12. The removal aid(s) 12 can have a concave shape in order to be able to be glued to the cable foil 5 over as large an area as possible. If necessary, a rotating movement of the removal aid 12 or the cable 1 can also lead to a tearing of the cable foil 5.

[0185] In a similar, alternative variant, a suction process can also be provided instead of the removal aid 12. In this case, the cable foil 5 or the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5 can be sucked in at least in the area of ​​the intended tear position RP with a suction device (not shown) and thereby torn off or removed.

[0186] In Fig. 18 As an example of an abrasive treatment, a wire brush 17 is schematically shown, which is moved over the surface of the cable foil 5 or over the outer layer 9, for example by rotating the electrical cable 1, and thereby removes the outer layer 9 and / or the inner layer 10. Instead of a wire brush 17, comparable abrasive means can also be provided, for example a grinding device or a plastic brush.

[0187] With regard to cutting the cable foil 5, for example, the Fig. 4indicated and described knife 7 or the cutting device 22 described below can be reused.

[0188] Before removing the cable foil 5, it can be provided that the cable section A to be processed is twisted and / or bent in such a way that the cable foil 5 in the cable section A, in particular at the intended tear position RP , tears in a ring-shaped circumferential manner, as in Fig. 7 In particular, if the brittleness of the cable foil 5 is increased by reducing the mechanical load capacity of at least the outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5, i.e. the tendency to break under mechanical stress, at least in the area of ​​the intended tear position RP, the cable foil 5 will easily tear at the intended tear position RP after corresponding mechanical stress. A possibly already existing, for example partially annular circumferential crack 11, which has been repaired by one of the aforementioned treatments, in particular after the Figures 12 to 17 , can thereby intensify until the cable foil 5 is completely torn. However, a tear 11 can also form in the first place as a result. Preferably, the cable foil 5 is completely severed after the mechanical stress on the cable section A to be processed.

[0189] Actuators can be used to twist and / or bend the cable section A to be processed. For example, Fig. 11 the use of four linear actuators 18 to bend the cable section A to be processed in two degrees of freedom. This allows a bending motion as shown in Fig. 7 The movement shown by the arrows can be generated. Of course, any actuators can be provided to execute such a movement or a similar movement, which leads to mechanical stress and ultimately a tearing of the cable foil 5.

[0190] For example, as in Fig. 12shown, a rotating device or an eccentric 19 is used to twist the cable section A to be processed. The representation of the Fig. 12 is exaggerated in its dimensions and should only be understood schematically.

[0191] It may be provided to fix the cable 1 in the region of the intended tear position RP during the twisting and / or bending process step. For example, in the case of a thermal treatment of the cable foil 5, the previously described forming tools 13 may remain closed until the completion of the twisting and / or bending process step.

[0192] It may also be provided to first straighten the cable 1, or at least the cable section A to be processed, after the twisting and / or bending process step, preferably before further process steps. For example, two forming tools or blunt blades can be applied to the cable 1 for this purpose.

[0193] After tearing off, the cable foil 5 can finally be compressed according to the invention in the axial direction along the cable center axis M, as shown in Fig. 8 indicated by the two arrows.

[0194] The compression occurs before the cable foil 5 is removed from the section A to be processed, but otherwise at any time during the cable processing. The sequence of process steps described above is therefore only to be understood as an example. Preferably, the cable foil 5 is compressed after the cable foil 5 has been at least partially exposed, particularly preferably after the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil 5 has been reduced, and most preferably after the cable foil 5 has been torn off by twisting and / or bending.

[0195] Preferably, the cable foil 5 is indirectly compressed by compressing a sheath enveloping the cable foil 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the cable foil 5 is indirectly compressed by compressing the cable sheath 6. In principle, however, indirect compression can also be achieved by compressing another sheath, for example, by compressing a sheath subsequently applied to the exposed cable foil 5 (not shown).

[0196] After compression, the cable foil 5 is finally removed from the cable section A to be processed. If, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the cut-off cable sheath 6 has not yet been completely removed from the cable 1, the cable foil 5 can be removed together with the cable sheath 6 (cf. Fig. 9), since the cable foil 5, depending on the design, usually adheres well to the cable sheath 6. In principle, however, the cable foil 5 can be removed from the cable section A to be processed in any manner after compression, for example by brushing, blowing off, unwinding and / or stripping the cable foil 5. It can also be provided to remove the cable foil 5 and / or the cable sheath 6 by the cutting device 22, for example a Fig. 4 The described blade 7 is advanced radially to the cable center axis M, and then an axial movement of the cable 1 and / or the blade 7 is performed to strip off the cable foil 5 and / or the cable sheath 6. Subsequently, the component of the electrical cable 1 located beneath the cable foil 5 is exposed, in this case the cable shielding braid 4.

[0197] After the cable foil 5 has been removed, further conventional and known measures for the assembly or further stripping of the electrical cable 1 can be provided (as required). Fig. 10 An exemplary and schematic illustration shows how the exposed cable shield braid 4 was folded back along the cable center axis M, for example, to be attached to a connector (not shown) and electrically connected to it. Subsequently, the insulation material 3 could be removed, and the inner conductor 2 could be exposed and contacted with a connector (not shown).

[0198] The cable section A to be processed can be a cable end piece as already shown. However, it can also be a cable window, as shown in the Figures 19 and 20A cable window can be stripped in a known manner, for example by making two annular cuts 8 and a longitudinal cut 20 between the annular cuts 8 in the cable sheath 6, as shown in Fig. 19indicated. These method steps are preferably also automated. The cable sheath 6 can then be removed, as a result of which the cable foil 5 located underneath in the exemplary embodiment is exposed. Finally, the steps already described above can be carried out in an analogous manner in order to remove the cable foil 5. For example, in this case, two tear positions RP can also be provided or it can be provided that the mechanical load-bearing capacity is reduced at least partially in a ring, completely or in sections around the circumference at two points distributed along the cable center axis M, after which the cable foil 5 is twisted, for example, between the provided tear positions RP, as a result of which it tears off at the provided tear positions RP. The cable foil 5 can then be compressed, for example by moving the two ends of the opened cable sheath 6 towards one another in order to indirectly compress the cable foil 5.The severed central section of the cable foil 5 can then be easily removed. Alternatively or additionally, the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil 5 can be reduced along the cable center axis M, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 is indicated by the dashed crack position RP.

[0199] In Fig. 211 shows a schematic diagram of a device 21 for the automated removal of the cable foil 5 from a cable section A of an electrical cable 1 that is to be processed. At least one heating wire 15, at least one forming tool 13, at least one cooling supply device (not shown), at least one removal aid 12, at least one suction device (not shown) and / or at least one supply device 16 for chemical substances can be provided in order to treat at least one outer layer 9 of the cable foil 5 that is at least partially exposed in the region of the cable section A to be processed, said outer layer 9 facing away from the cable center axis M, in order to remove the cable foil 5 or to reduce the mechanical load-bearing capacity of the cable foil 5, at least in the region of the intended tear position RP, to assist in the removal of the cable foil 5. Means can be provided (for example, at least one linear actuator 18 and / or a rotation device oran eccentric 19) to twist and / or bend the cable section A to be processed.

[0200] Finally, a cutting device 22 can also be provided for cutting and, if necessary, for removing or partially removing the cable sheath 6. All components can be designed to be adjustable, as shown in Fig. 21 indicated by the respective double arrows. As a means for twisting and / or bending the cable section to be processed, Fig. 21 A single linear actuator 18 is shown as an example, but as described above, any number of actuators of any design can be provided.

[0201] Furthermore, a roller 23 is shown for stripping the cut cable sheath 6. If the cable foil 5 is not or not completely removed from the cable 1 by stripping the cable sheath 6, a nozzle 24 can also be provided, for example, to blow the cable foil 5 off the cable 1 using compressed air.

[0202] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the cable sheath 6 or the severed cable sheath piece / stripped piece is pulled off the cable section A to be processed together with the cable foil 5. For this purpose, a gripping device can be provided, for example the fixing device, holding device, at least one forming knife, etc., which grips the cable sheath 6 at an advantageous location, after which the gripping device and / or the cable 1 is moved in the axial direction in order to pull off the cable sheath 6 and the cable foil 5. The advantageous location is preferably as close as possible to the exposed cable section. It can be provided that a certain pressure is exerted on the cable sheath 6 by means of the gripping device in order to ensure that the cable foil 5 is actually pulled off together with the cable sheath 6.For this reason, the delivery of the gripping device to the cable 1 can be controlled via the contact pressure and not via a radial position.

[0203] Finally, the device 21 shown as an example also has a cable feed device 25 for the electrical cable 1.

[0204] The invention can advantageously be provided within a system 26 for assembling electrical cables 1. A system 26 for assembling electrical cables 1 is shown in Fig. 23shown. In this case, an end section of a cable 1 is provided with a connector part 27 using several clocked devices or a device according to the method according to the invention. The system 26 can, for example, comprise a device 28 for cutting the cable 1 to length, a device 29 for stripping and / or stripping various layers of the cable 1, a device 30 for opening, setting up and / or folding back a cable shield braid 4, a device 31 for applying and contacting a connector part 27 and a device 21 for removing a cable foil 5 according to the above statements or as in the exemplary embodiment based on the Figures 1 to 22described. Of course, additional devices or the multiple use of devices within the system 26 may also be provided. The order of processing the electrical cable 1 may vary depending on the application. The system 26 shown is to be understood only as an example.

[0205] To illustrate some advantageous developments of the invention, Fig. 22 a section of a device 21 according to the invention is shown schematically.

[0206] It can be provided that the cable foil 5 is compressed by holding the sheath 6 at a first holding position H 1 and holding the cable 1 at a first fixing position F 1 spaced apart from the first holding position H 1 in the axial direction, after which the first holding position H 1 and the first fixing position F 1 are moved relative to one another. Thus, the section a 1 of the cable foil 5 extending in the axial direction between the first holding position H 1 and the first fixing position F 1 can be compressed in order to facilitate the subsequent removal of the cable foil 5.

[0207] Preferably, the first fixing position F 1 is located outside the cable section A to be processed, as in Fig. 22 In particular, this allows an existing cable feed device, for example the cable feed device 25 of the Fig. 21for fixing the cable 1 in the first fixing position F1 and for the subsequent relative movement. Preferably, the first fixing position F1 is moved to the first holding position H1.

[0208] It may be advantageous to compress the cable foil 5 sequentially in several sections a 1 , a 2 , a 3 along the cable center axis M. Sectional compression may be particularly suitable for long cable sections A. Any number of sections may be provided, in particular depending on the axial length of the cable section A. In Fig. 22 three sections a 1 , a 2 , a 3 are indicated as examples.

[0209] For this purpose, it can be provided to use different holding positions H 1 , H 2 , H 3 (and / or fixing positions) spaced apart in the axial direction along the cable center axis M, wherein the sections a 1 , a 2 , a 3 to be compressed run between holding pairs each formed from a holding position H 1 , H 2 , H 3 and a fixing position F 1 , after which the holding position H 1 , H 2 , H 3 and the fixing position F 1 of all holding pairs formed are moved sequentially towards one another. It may be particularly advantageous to use the first fixing position F 1 to form corresponding pairs with several holding positions H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , wherein the fixing position F 1 is sequentially advanced to the respective holding positions H 1 , H 2 , H 3 , while the holding positions H 1 , H 2 , H 3 remain unchanged. This is shown in Fig. 22For example, compression can first occur in the first section a1 between the first holding position H1 and the first fixing position F1, then in the second section a2 between the second holding position H2 and the first fixing position F1, and then again in the third section a3 between the third holding position H3 and the first fixing position F1. In this way, any number of sections (even just one or two sections) can be compressed in chronological sequence. Preferably, the sheath 6 is held by means of the cutting device 22 and / or by means of the forming tool 13 at the at least one holding position H1, H2, H3 and / or at the at least one fixing position F1. To hold the sheath 6 at the first fixing position F1, the cable feed device 25 can also advantageously be used. In principle, however, any desired holding device and / or any desired fixing device can be provided.

[0210] It can be provided to use a single holding device (e.g. a single cutting device 22 or a single forming tool 13) to hold the cable sheath 6 sequentially at the various holding positions H 1 , H 2 , H 3 . For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the holding device initially holds the cable sheath 6 at the first holding position H 1 , after which the fixing device is advanced to the holding device or is compressed along the first section a 1 . The holding device can then be released from the first holding position H 1 and advanced to the second holding position H 2 by moving the holding device and / or the cable 1 in the axial direction. Compressing can then take place along the second section a 2 , followed by the third section a 3 , for which the same procedure can be followed.However, it is also possible to use several holding devices, each assigned to a holding position H 1 , H 2 , H 3 and controlled one after the other for sequentially securing the cable sheath 6. Thus, the holding devices can be designed to be immobile, or axial displacement of the cable 1 during the sequential compression process can be dispensed with.

[0211] It can also be provided to hold the sheath or the cable sheath 6 simultaneously in more than one holding position H 1 , H 2 , H 3 while the cable sheath 6 is compressed according to the invention.

Claims

1. A method for removing a cable film (5) from a cable section (A) of an electrical cable (1) to be processed, wherein the cable film (5) is compressed in the axial direction along the center axis (M) of the cable before the cable film (5) is removed from the cable section (A) to be processed, wherein, to assist in the removal of the cable film (5), the mechanical load capacity of the cable film (5) is reduced at least in part of the ring, in sections or completely around the circumference in the area of an intended crack position (RP) before the cable film (5) is compressed, and wherein, to remove or assist in removing the cable film (5) before the cable film (5) is compressed, characterized in that at least one of the outer layers (9) of the cable film (5) facing away from the cable centre axis (M) is subjected to a thermal treatment, a chemical treatment, an abrasive treatment or a suction process, or is incised, or a stripping aid (12) is stuck onto the cable film (5) and stripped off, at least in the region of the intended crack position (RP).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a sheath (6) enclosing the cable film (5) is compressed in order to indirectly compress the cable film (5).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that a cable sheath (6) of the cable (1) or a gripping means extending in the axial direction or a sheath applied to the at least partially exposed cable film (5) is used as the sheath (6) enclosing the cable film (5).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the cable sheath (6) is incised before the cable film (5) is compressed.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the cable sheath (6) is at least partially stripped off the cable film (5) in the axial direction before the cable film (5) is compressed.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the cable film (5) is compressed by holding the sheath (6) at a first holding position (H1) and the cable (1) being held at a first fixing position (F1) spaced apart in the axial direction from the first holding position (H1), after which the first holding position (H1) and the first fixing position (F1) are moved towards each other.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the first fixing position (F1) is located outside the cable section (A) to be processed.

8. The method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cable film (5) is sequentially upset in a plurality of sections (a1, a2, a3) along the cable center axis (M).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that various holding positions (H1, H2, H3) and / or fixing positions (F1) spaced apart in the axial direction are used along the centerline (M) of the cable, wherein the sections (a1, a2, a3) to be upset extend between holding pairs each formed from a holding position (H 1, H2, H3) and a fixing position (F1) formed between each holding pair, after which, for all the holding pairs formed, their holding position (H1, H2, H3) and fixing position (F1) are moved relative to one another in sequence.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the first fixing position (F1) is used to form corresponding pairs with a plurality of holding positions (H1, H2, H3), and the first fixing position (F1) being sequentially advanced to the respective holding positions (H1, H2, H3), while the holding positions (H1, H2, H3) remain unchanged.

11. The method according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the sheathing (6) is held by means of a cutting device (22) and / or by means of a forming tool (13) at the at least one holding position (H1, H2, H3) and / or at the at least one fixing position (F1).

12. The method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cable section (A) to be processed is twisted and / or bent in such a way that the cable film (5) in the cable section (A) to be processed tears in a partial ring shape or in a continuous ring shape.