CUTTER

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a cutter for separating a contact from a contact carrier strip, as well as a crimping tool having a cutter. State of the art

[0002] In cable assembly, contacts are crimped onto wires to produce ready-to-connect wires. Especially when crimping by hand, the current technique involves applying a stripper or wire stop to the leading edge of a stripped wire on the crimping tool to position the wire for crimping.

[0003] The publication DE 10 2008 058 168 A1 describes a device for crimping or stripping at least one core of a multi-core cable. The device for crimping the cores can have a so-called cutter for separating individual crimp contacts from a carrier strip. The cutter has an opening into which the cores of the cable can be inserted in a y-direction. The cutter further comprises a first wedge-shaped guide element and a second wedge-shaped guide element, wherein the two guide elements are arranged or oriented orthogonally to one another. During operation of the device, a cable stripped towards its end, the cores of which have already been stripped at their ends, is inserted counter to the y-direction into the opening of the cutter. The stripped ends of the cores are guided by the guide elements into four quadrants, so to speak.In particular, the guide elements also represent an axial stop for the cable.

[0004] The document DE 20 2017 003 670 U1 relates to a device for crimping a wire of a cable, comprising a first tool, a second tool and a third tool, wherein the third tool has a concave support surface for laying on the cable and a slot for receiving a carrier strip, so that the latter can be conveyed in the slot in an x-direction by the third tool, wherein the third tool is designed such that the slot penetrates the third tool in the y-direction in a first region, which is arranged offset in the z-direction to the concave support surface, and does not penetrate the third tool in the y-direction in a second region offset in the x-direction, so that a web is present there.

[0005] With advancing developments in cable assembly, component dimensions and the resulting required manufacturing tolerances are becoming increasingly smaller. As a result, the state-of-the-art axial positioning, as described above, is too inaccurate during processing. In particular, the axial positional variation of the finished crimped contact on the wire or cable is too large. Description of the invention

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device with which a significantly higher precision is achieved during crimping.

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a cutter according to claim 1 and a crimping tool according to claim 10. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

[0008] In particular, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a cutter for separating a contact from a contact carrier strip, comprising a first and a second side, a contact carrier strip guide extending along the first side and in which a contact carrier strip can be guided, wherein the first side can form a parting plane between the contact and the contact carrier strip, a line guide in which a line having at least a first partial region and a second partial region can be arranged, wherein the line guide extends between the first and second sides, a stop aligned transversely to the line guide and having at least one opening, wherein the first partial region of the line can extend through the opening and the second partial region of the line can bear against the stop, and the stop forms a partial region of the first side,so that a plane between the first and second partial area of ​​the line can lie in the separation plane between the contact and the contact carrier strip.,

[0009] The cutter is suitable for severing the contact from a contact carrier strip on which the contact is provided, so that only the severed contact is crimped to a wire. The constant miniaturization of components requires precise positioning of the wire, in particular of a first section of a wire, in the crimping area with a contact. To achieve precise positioning, a stop for the second section of the wire is integrated into the cutter. The stop is arranged on the cutter in such a way that the second section of the wire can rest against the stop and a plane between the first and second section of the wire can lie in the parting plane between the contact and the contact carrier strip. This arrangement has the advantage that the wire is fixed directly at the parting plane between the contact and the contact carrier strip, achieving the highest possible precision.

[0010] Furthermore, the cutter features a compact, space-saving design. In particular, the stop provides the largest possible contact surface for the second section of the cable. This large contact surface enables and supports secure positioning. The opening through which the first section of the cable can be passed also precisely aligns the first section of the cable. This ensures reliable and accurate alignment of the first section of the cable in the crimping area. Overall, this increases crimping precision.

[0011] Finally, by placing the second portion against the stop, it is ensured that the first portion protrudes as far as possible through the opening. In particular, the first portion protrudes through the opening into the crimping area, so that the first portion lies essentially entirely, i.e., with the greatest possible portion, within the crimping area. Arranging large portions of the first portion of the wire in the crimping area enables reliable crimping.

[0012] During operation, the second section of the cable is more visible to personnel and therefore easier to position. In particular, personnel receive visual and haptic feedback to ensure the correct positioning of the second section of the cable at the stop.

[0013] The first subregion preferably comprises a stripped wire, and the second subregion comprises an insulating layer, in particular an exposed dielectric. The stripped wire provides a mechanical and electrical connection between the wire and the contact when crimped onto a contact. The dielectric preferably comprises a plastic material that remains dimensionally stable or can react with elastic deformation to moderate mechanical forces, such as when applied to a stop. The dielectric is preferably shock-resistant. The dielectric is suitable as a stable connection point for the wire.

[0014] Preferably, a distance between the opening and the contact carrier strip guide corresponds to the height of the crimp tabs of a contact. The distance is preferably determined between the closest points of the opening and the contact carrier strip guide. The distance can also be less than the height of the crimp tabs of a contact. Due to the short distance between the opening and the contact carrier strip guide, the first portion of a wire can be arranged at least partially in the third direction between the crimp tabs. This arrangement increases the precision when aligning the wire to the contact and subsequently during crimping.

[0015] Preferably, the opening is formed as a notch in the stop. The notch allows the first section of the cable or wire to be inserted into the opening in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the cable. This simplifies the insertion and positioning of the cable in the cutter.

[0016] The notch preferably has an insertion region and a base region, with the insertion region tapering toward the base region. The insertion region serves to insert the first portion of the cable or wire into the notch and is preferably wider than the base region. The tapered shape of the insertion region facilitates the insertion of the first portion of the cable or wire into the notch. The base region serves to secure the first portion of the cable or wire in the notch.

[0017] Preferably, the cable guide has at least one taper along its longitudinal direction. This taper visually and haptically divides the cable guide into different sections. The shape of the cable guide facilitates the correct alignment of the cable within the cable guide.

[0018] Preferably, the cutter further includes a cable centering device for centering the cable along its length. This device makes it easier for personnel to quickly and reliably align the cable along its length. This device offers a particular advantage during operation for inexperienced personnel.

[0019] The cable centering device preferably has a cable guide in which the cable can be arranged, wherein a length of the cable guide in the longitudinal direction of the cable is greater than a width of the cable guide. The width runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction along a second direction. Since the length of the cable guide is significantly greater than its width, reliable alignment can be ensured even for cables with low rigidity.

[0020] Preferably, the cable guide has rounded edges at least in one insertion area for the cable. The insertion area serves to insert a cable into the cable centering device. The rounded edges facilitate the insertion of the cable. Furthermore, damage to the cable, which can be caused by sharp edges, is avoided.

[0021] The above-mentioned object is further achieved in particular by a crimping tool for crimping a contact, which is provided on a contact carrier strip, onto a wire, at least having a cutter. The cutter's external dimensions can be adapted to prior art cutters. Thus, an existing crimping tool can be easily equipped with the presented cutter. The cutter, which has a stop at the parting line between the contact and the contact carrier strip, allows crimping precision to be increased.

[0022] The following description of exemplary embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a cutter; Fig. 2 shows a further perspective view of the embodiment of the cutter with an inserted cable; Fig. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the cutter; Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a section of an embodiment of a crimping tool; and Fig. 5 shows a further perspective view of a section of an embodiment of a crimping tool.

[0023] The following is a description of embodiments with reference to the above-mentioned figures.

[0024] Fig. 1shows an embodiment of a cutter 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutter 10 is a cuboid-shaped component and has a first and a second side 11, 12. The second side 12 is preferably arranged opposite the first side 11 (cf. Fig.1 and Fig. 2 ).

[0025] The first side 11 has a contact carrier strip guide 18 (see Fig. 2 ). The contact carrier strip guide 18 is preferably formed as a recess, in the first direction X, along the first side 11. In the Fig. 2In the illustrated embodiment, the contact carrier strip guide 18 extends along a short side in a second direction Y. The depth of the contact carrier strip guide 18 is designed such that a contact carrier strip 34 can be guided with its entire width in the contact carrier strip guide 18. The first side can form a parting plane T between the contact carrier strip 34 and a contact 30 that is fastened to the contact carrier strip 34.

[0026] The first side 11 further has a stop 14. The stop 14 is a partial region of the first side 11. The stop 14 has a specific thickness. The thickness of the stop 14 can be used to adjust a distance between the dielectric 22 and the internal contact 30. In particular, there is ideally a visible distance between the partial region 22 and the crimping area 32. The material thickness or thickness of the stop 14 can be adjusted to a defined distance, preferably in the crimped state, between the partial region 22 and the crimping area 32. The stop 14 has at least one opening 16. The width of the opening 16 is selected such that only the first partial region 21 of a line 20 can extend through the opening 16. The first partial region 21 of the line 20 can extend through the opening 16 until the second partial region 22 of the line 20 rests against the stop 14. Preferably, the opening 16 is formed as a notch.In particular, the opening 16 has an insertion region 16a and a bottom region 16b. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion region 16a tapers toward the bottom region 16b by beveled edges (see . Fig. 2 ). The tapered shape facilitates the insertion of a cable 20, in particular the first partial region 21. The base region 16b is preferably formed such that it is flush with the first partial region 21 of a cable 20 laterally or at the circumference of the cable 20. This flush fit allows for precise fixation of the cable 20.

[0027] The cable guide 13 is an opening that extends between the first side 11 and the second side 12. In particular, the cable guide 13 is formed as a recess or notch. Preferably, the cable guide 13 extends transversely to the contact carrier strip guide 18 between the first and second sides 11, 12. This shape makes it possible to insert a cable 20 along the first direction X, its longitudinal direction, into the cable guide 13 or also to insert it from a third direction Z into the cable guide 13. Alternatively, combinations of both movements are possible. Preferably, the cable guide 13 has at least one taper 17 along its longitudinal direction X. In the Figs. 1 to 3In the illustrated embodiment, the taper 17 is formed by a projection. In alternative embodiments, the taper 17 can be formed by multiple projections, steps, or a continuous transition, or can be omitted entirely. The taper 17 can assist in inserting the cable 20 by, for example, arranging a third portion 23 of the cable 20, which, for example, encompasses the cable 20 with an inverted shielding braid, in the widest part of the cable guide 13, while the second portion 22 of the cable 20 is arranged in a narrower part, and both parts are easily distinguishable visually and haptically.

[0028] The cable 20 is preferably a single-core cable. In this case, it is not possible to use the splitting area of ​​several cores as a termination point for the cable 20. The core 21 of the cable 20 is surrounded by an insulating layer 22. In the Fig. 2 and 3In the illustrated embodiment, the insulation layer 22 is an exposed dielectric. The braided shield 23 of the cable 20 can, as in Fig. 3 shown, be turned inside out over the cable 20 (see third partial region 23 of the cable 20). In an alternative embodiment, the shielding braid 23 or one or more layers lying above the insulation layer 22 can also extend over the second partial region 22 of the cable, ie, the layers can extend to the stop 14 in the final position of the cable 20 in the cable guide 13.

[0029] When inserting a cable 20 into the cable guide 13 of the cutter 10, the cable 20 is preferably inserted into the cable guide 13 from the XZ direction and finally moved in the first direction X towards the stop until the second partial area 22 of the cable 20 rests against the stop 14. In the final position, the first side 11 preferably forms a plane, in particular a boundary plane, between the first and second partial areas 21, 22 of the cable 20. In practice, due to a finite width of the stop 14, the plane between the first and second partial areas 21, 22 of the cable 20 and the parting plane T between the crimp tabs 32 and the contact carrier strip 34 can be arranged adjacent to or adjacent to one another.

[0030] Fig. 4shows an embodiment of a crimping tool 100 for crimping a contact 30 provided on a contact carrier strip 34, or in particular the crimping tabs 32 onto a line 20. During operation, the contact carrier strip 34 is moved forward along a second direction Y by a feed 102 on the crimping tool 100. In doing so, the feed 102 engages in particular in pilot holes 36 on the contact carrier strip 34 and pushes the contact carrier strip 34 forward (see Fig. 5 ). The contacts 30, which are arranged at a distance from one another on the contact carrier strip 34, are successively fed to a crimping area of ​​the crimping tool 100.

[0031] Before the actual crimping, the contact 30 to be crimped must be separated from the contact carrier strip 34. To do this, the contact 30 with the contact carrier strip 34 is moved forward in the contact carrier strip guide 18 in the second direction Y until the contact 30 is aligned with the opening 16 in the third direction Z. In this position, the two crimping tabs 32 of the contact 30 are arranged to the side of the opening 16. When the cable 20 is subsequently inserted into the cable guide 13 of the cutter 10, the first partial area 21 of the cable 20 lies between the crimping tabs 32 in the second direction Y, and at least partially also in the third direction Z. The short distance D between the opening 16 and the contact 30 increases the precision when arranging the cable 20 to the contact 30 and thus also the precision during the subsequent crimping. The use of a wire stop 108, as in the prior art, is obsolete.

[0032] To facilitate the alignment of the cable 20 in the cable guide 13 of the cutter 10, a cable centering device 40 is arranged on the cutter 10 in the illustrated embodiment. The cable centering device 40 has, in particular, a cable guide 43 that is aligned with the cable guide 13 of the cutter 10 along the first direction X. The cable centering device 40 is optional and can be mounted on the crimping tool 100 or a cutter holder if necessary. The cable centering device 40 has, in particular, a hard and smooth surface so that a cable 20 can be quickly pushed into the cable guide 43 and removed again. The length of the cable guide 43 in the first direction X can be adapted to the stiffness of the cable 20 used. The stiffer a cable 20 is, the shorter the cable guide 43 can be.

[0033] The first partial area 21 of the cable 20, ie in the illustrated embodiment the stripped wire 21, lies along the first direction X completely in the crimping area, ie between the crimping tabs 32. The length of the first partial area 21 of the cable 20, ie how far the wire 21 is stripped from the cable end, can be used to adjust how far the cable 20 projects into the crimping area or is crimped.

[0034] To separate the contact 30 from the contact carrier strip 34, an actuator 106 exerts a force on support surfaces 19 on the cutter 10 and moves the cutter 10 in the third direction Z such that a cutting edge (not shown) separates the contact 30 from the contact carrier strip 34. Subsequently, the contact 30 is crimped via its crimp tabs 32 onto the cable 20 or the wire 21 of the cable 20 with the aid of a crimper 104. After crimping is complete, the actuator 106 and the crimper 104 return relatively to their starting position, and the crimped cable 20 can be removed. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0035] 10Cutter 11First side 12Second side 13Cable guide 14Stop 16Opening 16aInsertion area 16bBottom area 17Taper 18Contact carrier strip guide 19Contact surfaces 20Cable 21First section (wire) 22Second section (dielectric) 23Third section (shielding) 30Contact 32Crimping tab 34Contact carrier strip 36Pilot hole 40Cable centering device 43Cable guide 100Crimping tool 102Feeder 104Crimper 106Actuator 108Wire stop DDistance XFirst direction (longitudinal direction) YSecond direction (transverse direction) ZThird direction

Claims

1. Cutter (10) for severing a contact (30) from a contact carrier strip (34), having: a) a first and a second side (11, 12); b) a contact carrier strip guide (18) which extends along the first side (11) and in which a contact carrier strip (34) can be guided, wherein the first side (11) can form a separating plane (T) between the contact (30) and the contact carrier strip (34); c) a conduit (13) in which a line (20) which has at least one first sub-region (21) and one second sub-region (22) is able to be disposed, wherein the conduit (13) extends between the first and the second side (11, 12); d) a stop (14) which is aligned transversely to the conduit (13) and has at least one opening (16), wherein the first sub-region (21) of the line (20) can extend through the opening (16), and the second sub-region (22) of the line (20) can rest on the stop (14); and the cutter is characterized in that e) the stop (14) forms a sub-region of the first side (11) in such a way that a plane between the first and the second sub-region (21, 22) of the line (20) can lie in the separating plane (T) between the contact (30) and the contact carrier strip (34).

2. Cutter according to Claim 1, in which the first sub-region (21) comprises a stripped wire, and the second sub-region (22) comprises an insulation layer, in particular an exposed dielectric.

3. Cutter according to Claim 1 or 2, in which a spacing (D) between the opening (16) and the contact carrier strip guide (34) corresponds to the height of crimping tabs (32) of a contact (30).

4. Cutter according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the opening (16) is formed as a notch in the stop (14).

5. Cutter according to Claim 4, in which the notch has an introduction region (16a) and a base region (16b), wherein the introduction region (16a) tapers in the direction of the base region (16b).

6. Cutter according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the conduit (13) has at least one taper (17) along its longitudinal direction (X).

7. Cutter according to one of Claims 1 to 6, furthermore having a line centring device (40) for centring the line (20) along its longitudinal direction (X).

8. Cutter according to Claim 7, in which the line centring device (40) has a conduit (43) in which the line (20) is able to be disposed, wherein a length of the conduit (43) in the longitudinal direction (X) of the line (20) is larger than a width of the conduit (43).

9. Cutter according to Claim 8, in which the conduit (40), at least in an introduction region for the line (20), has rounded edges.

10. Crimping tool (100) for crimping a contact (30), which is provided on a contact carrier strip (34), to a line (20), at least having a cutter (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 9.