TOOL FOR CABLE ASSEMBLY AND USE OF AT LEAST ONE SENSOR FOR POSITION DETERMINATION ON SUCH A

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a tool for cable assembly and the use of at least one sensor for position determination on a tool for cable assembly, in particular a crimping tool. State of the art

[0002] In automated cable assembly systems, a so-called feed monitoring of the tool, particularly a crimping tool, is performed to ensure that the raw material or contact carrier strip has been fed. This feed monitoring involves non-contact detection or determination of the position of a feed cylinder or sliding block that can move at least between a home position and a working position. In the prior art, magnetic sensors are used for non-contact position detection. For the use of magnetic sensors, the feed cylinder or sliding block must be equipped with integrated magnets. Alternatively, inductive sensors, which do not require magnets, are used in the prior art. The sensor(s) are fixed to a frame of a feed mechanism and detect the presence of a portion of the movable contact feed.

[0003] Document WO 2007 / 005433 A1 relates to a feeding device designed for use with a crimping machine and a crimping tool. The feeding device comprises a frame positioned near a crimping area of ​​the crimping tool and a feed carriage slidably mounted on the frame. The feed carriage is movable to a forward position in the crimp contact feeding direction. An electric drive is mounted on the frame and connected to the feed carriage. The drive moves the feed carriage to the forward position in the crimp contact feeding direction to position a crimp contact in the crimping area. A sensor device is provided, supported by front and rear support plates on the frame.A sensor arm extends through a sensor device opening in the body of the feed carriage and interacts with a sensor that is also located in the sensor device opening.

[0004] The current state of the art has at least one of the following disadvantages: Firstly, the magnets in the feed cylinder can generate a magnetic field that negatively affects tool control. Conversely, an electric field is created as soon as a voltage is applied to a device or power line. Voltage is a prerequisite for electric current to flow when a device is switched on. When current flows, a magnetic field is also generated. This magnetic field interferes with the magnetic sensors on the feed mechanism. Secondly, when the contact feed needs to be readjusted, for example, to accommodate differences in raw materials or product specifications, the sensor(s) must also be readjusted, which is an undesirable and time-consuming manual process step. Description of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method that enable more effective and faster cable assembly.

[0006] The aforementioned problem is solved by a tool according to claim 1 and a use according to claim 7. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0007] In particular, the aforementioned problem is solved by a cable assembly tool comprising a feed unit with a feed finger for moving a carrier strip along a feed direction. The feed unit includes a movable sliding block which is configured to perform a relative movement with respect to the feed unit in order to move the feed finger along the feed direction, wherein at least one sensor is arranged on the movable sliding block to determine the position of the sliding block.

[0008] The present tool has the advantage that readjusting the feed mechanism or feed finger, and thus the sliding block, does not require readjusting the sensor(s). This eliminates unnecessary manual readjustment of the sensor(s), making cable assembly more efficient and faster. Furthermore, the present tool can be easily created from an existing tool, or existing systems can be easily retrofitted to use it. This makes the present tool easy to implement. Moreover, in the prior art, (magnetic) sensors are usually mounted on the back of the crimping tool and are therefore difficult to access when the crimping tool is installed in a machine. In the present crimping tool, the sensors are preferably located on the top side of the feed unit or feed mechanism, making them more accessible.In the event of a necessary sensor adjustment, such as a correction of the sensor's initial position, the crimping tool does not need to be removed. The initial position of the sensor(s) can therefore be corrected more quickly. If a sensor with an LED is used, the switching state of the sensor(s) can also be read more quickly and without aids (e.g., a mirror) on the LED. Finally, the switching distance, i.e., the distance between the sensor and the position stop, can be quickly checked and adjusted. This is not possible or only possible to a limited extent with prior art (magnetic) sensors. The relative movement of the sliding block with respect to the feed mechanism includes, in particular, a relative movement of the sliding block with respect to and / or along a block guide on the feed mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, at least one sensor is an inductive sensor. An inductive sensor does not require magnets, so its use does not generate magnetic fields that could negatively affect other electronics. Conversely, inductive sensors are also insensitive to magnetic fields and cannot be negatively affected by them. Depending on the specific inductive sensor used and its quality, the switching hysteresis of inductive sensors can be smaller, and therefore more accurate, than that of magnetic sensors. In addition to using inductive sensors, the way they are installed is also less susceptible to magnetic fields.

[0010] Preferably, the relative motion (RB) comprises a reciprocal motion. A reciprocal motion of the sliding block essentially means a back-and-forth movement. The reciprocal motion can also include a circular motion, whereby the movement does not have to follow an exact circular path, but rather a closed loop of motion. The reciprocal motion serves to repeat one or more process steps. The repetition is reliable and predictable.

[0011] At least one sensor is arranged on each side of the movable sliding block, opposite the direction of the relative movement. In practice, the sliding block preferably moves back and forth between two end positions. One sensor can be used to monitor or determine the position of the sliding block at a first position or end position, and another sensor can be used to monitor or determine the position of the sliding block at a second position. This arrangement allows the position of the sliding block to be determined in either the first or the second position. The first position could, for example, be the point "contact established," and the second position the point "contact moved." A process sequence can be monitored and controlled by determining the position or end position. The phrase "along the direction of the relative movement" can encompass both opposing directions.

[0012] Preferably, at least one sensor is arranged in a recess on the movable sliding block. Arranging the sensor in a recess saves space and protects it from unwanted external damage. The recess has no negative impact on the structure or mechanics of the sliding block. Furthermore, mounting the sensors in a recess allows the sensor's longitudinal axis to be aligned obliquely, particularly at a 90° angle, to the position stops.

[0013] Preferably, at least one sensor is held in the recess by means of a holder. The holder ensures the sensor's basic position, i.e., the distance between the sensor and the position stop. Furthermore, the holder enables the sensor to be held securely in the recess. The holder also protects the sensor from mechanical stresses during insertion or positioning in the recess. The holder may include an additional fixing mechanism, such as a clamp, for the sensor. This additional fixing can make the sensor's position in the recess more stable, especially during rapid and / or jerky movements.

[0014] The position is determined relative to position stops on the feed mechanism. These position stops serve as reference points. If the distance to a predetermined position stop is zero or nearly zero, the sliding block is in a predetermined home or working position. In practice, the sliding block preferably moves back and forth between the home and working positions. The respective end position can be set using the position stops. Independently, the sensor position can be set using a holder; this corresponds to the sensor's home position. When the sliding block (also called the feed carriage) rests against a position stop, one of the two positions, i.e., home or working position, is preferably reached. However, a minimal air gap, a so-called switching gap, can exist between a sensor and a position stop.Determining the position of the sliding block can initiate further process steps. In practice, for example, the sliding block may need to be in its home position to reach the next step in the machine sequence control. This next step could be, for example, triggering a crimping cycle.

[0015] Preferably, at least one position stop is arranged at a reversal point of the relative movement of the movable sliding block. This position stop prevents further movement of the sliding block in the respective direction and thus forms a reversal point of the relative movement of the sliding block. Due to its size, the position stop is suitable as a reference point, as a clear switching signal can be generated in an inductive sensor. In practice, a sensor changes its switching state when a position stop is within its detection range. This change in switching state is interpreted as reaching the corresponding end position.

[0016] The aforementioned problem is further solved, in particular, by using at least two sensors for position determination on a cable assembly tool, which has a feed unit (10) with a feed finger (12) for moving a carrier strip (2) along a feed direction (X), wherein the at least two sensors are arranged on opposite sides of a movable sliding block of the feed unit along the direction of relative movement, and the position determination is carried out with respect to position stops on the feed unit. The position determination can contribute to process reliability by ensuring that certain process steps only take place when the movable component has reached or exceeded a specific position.The arrangement of two sensors used for position determination on the movable component has the advantage that a repositioning of the movable component, in particular a repositioning of at least one position stop, does not require a repositioning of the sensor.

[0017] The following description of exemplary embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tool; and Fig. 2 is a top view of the sliding block and adjacent parts made of Fig. 1 .

[0018] The following section describes exemplary implementations in detail with reference to the figures.

[0019] Fig. 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a tool 1 for cable assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool 1 has a guide 8 for guiding a carrier strip 2, a feed 10 with a feed finger 12 for moving the carrier strip 2 along a feed direction X, and a processing module 9, in particular a crimping module.

[0020] The feed mechanism 10 further comprises a movable sliding block 14. The illustrated sliding block 14 is configured to perform a relative movement RB with respect to the feed mechanism, i.e., in particular a back-and-forth or reciprocal movement, between two reversal points. Due to this reciprocal movement, the sliding block 14 can move the carrier strip 2 along the feed direction X with the aid of the feed finger 12. By moving along the feed direction X, the carrier strip 2 can, for example, be fed from a storage area or a previous process step for machining at the machining module 9.

[0021] The movable sliding block 14 has at least one sensor 20 with which the position of the sliding block 14 can be determined. Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a top view of the sliding block 14 and adjacent parts. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding block 14 comprises two sensors 20. The sensors 20 are preferably inductive sensors for determining whether the sliding block has reached a first or a second position, or a home or working position. The sensors 20 are arranged on opposite sides of the movable sliding block 14 in the direction of the reciprocal movement RB.

[0022] Furthermore, a position stop 16 is arranged at each reversal point of the reciprocal movement RB of the movable sliding block 14. The position of the sliding block 14 relative to the position stops 16 can be determined using the two sensors 20.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the two sensors 20 are arranged in a recess 17 on the movable sliding block 14. Specifically, each sensor 20 is held in the recess 17 by a holder 22. The recess 17 was milled into the sliding block 14. In alternative embodiments, other machining methods can be used to create the recess 17. The recess 17 can also comprise multiple recesses. The depth of the recess 17 is preferably selected such that neither the sensors 20 themselves nor their holders 22 protrude beyond the recess 17. The recess 17 provides space for the sensors 20 and any necessary wiring 26, through which the sensors 20 can be connected to a control unit (not shown). A holder 22 can be designed as a clamping element.In a clamping element, a holder 22 is preferably formed in one piece and provided with a slot so that a preferably cylindrical sensor 20 can be held clamped in the holder 22. The clamping element can be made of plastic. A plastic clamping element is easy to manufacture, lightweight, and robust. Preferably, the recess 17 is shaped such that the holders 22 can be held in a form-fitting manner. In addition, the sliding block 14 can have fastening means 24, such as screws, with which each holder 22 is held in its place in the recess 17. The fastening means 24 protect the sensors, in particular, from unintentional loosening or falling out of the sliding block 14, for example, due to jerky movements during operation. The holders 22 also define the basic position of the sensors 20.

[0024] The sensors 20 can be used to determine the position of a tool 1 for cable assembly. The sensors 20 are arranged on a movable component, in particular a sliding block 14 of a feed unit 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensors 20 determine when the sliding block 14 has reached an end position or position. Essentially, three positions are distinguished: reaching a first end position, e.g., the home position; reaching a second end position, e.g., the working position; and any position in between. The assignment of the first and / or second position to the home and / or working position can be predefined as desired. The two sensors 20 can be, as shown in Fig. 2The sensors 20 are arranged on a first line L1 and a second line L2, which is different from the first. In an alternative embodiment, both sensors 20 can be arranged on the same line. The arrangement can be chosen depending on the available space and / or accessibility during assembly. The sensors 20 can also be mounted on side surfaces of the sliding block 14, preferably on a front surface of the sliding block 14 (as shown in the illustration). Fig. 1 ).

[0025] During operation, a carrier strip 2 inserted into the guide 8 is moved in the feed direction X by means of the feed finger 12. The feed finger 12 engages pilot holes 6 on the carrier strip 2 and moves a predetermined distance in the feed direction X. This movement moves the carrier strip 2, with its attached contacts 4 (raw material), towards the machining module 9. The feed finger 12 then releases its engagement and moves in the opposite direction to engage a pilot hole 6 again at the starting point. Overall, the movable sliding block 14 is configured to perform a reciprocal movement RB to repeatedly move the feed finger 12 along the feed direction X.

[0026] On the processing module 9, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a crimping module, a contact 4 can be separated from the carrier strip 2 and crimped onto a conductor (not shown). The distance traveled by the carrier strip 2 during a feed preferably corresponds to the distance between two adjacent contacts 4 or pilot holes 6 on the carrier strip 2, so that the contacts 4 on the carrier strip 2 are successively fed to the processing station 9 by the movement. In practice, it may be advantageous that, when a new contact 4 is to be "fetched," the feed finger 12 moves further away from the processing module 9 than the pilot hole position dictates. This compensates for fluctuations in the contact feed or position and facilitates the engagement of the feed finger 12 in the pilot hole 6.

[0027] Depending on the raw material used or the distance between two adjacent pilot holes 6, the reciprocal movement RB of the sliding block 14, which determines the movement of the feed finger 12, must be readjusted. For this readjustment, at least one of the position stops 16 on the block guide 15 can be aligned accordingly, so that the reciprocal movement RB of the sliding block 14 along the block guide 15 between the two position stops 16 matches the distance between the pilot holes 6 on the carrier strip 2. Readjustment may also be necessary due to batch variations in the raw material. Since the sensors 20 only detect when the sliding block 14 reaches a position stop 16 (reference point) (located within their respective measuring field), the position of the sensors 20 does not need to be changed or readjusted. When a position stop 16 is reached, the respective sensor 20 switches and emits a presence signal. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0028] 1 Tool 2 Carrier strip 4 Contacts 6 Pilot holes 8 Carrier strip guide 9 Machining module 10 Feed 12 Feed finger 14 Sliding block 15 Block guide 16 Position stop 17 Recess 20 Sensor 22 Holder 24 Fastener 26 Wiring A1 First distance A2 Second distance L1 First line L2 Second line R Reciprocal movement X Feed direction Y Second direction Z Third direction

Claims

1. Tool (1) for cable fabrication, having: a. an advancement means (10) with an advancement finger (12) for moving a carrier strip (2) along an advancement direction (X); and b. the advancement means (10) comprises a movable sliding block (14) which is configured to perform a relative movement (RB) with respect to the advancement means so as to move the advancement finger (12) along the advancement direction (X); wherein c. at least one sensor (20) is arranged on the movable sliding block (14) so as to determine the position of the sliding block (14); characterized in that, d. on opposite sides of the movable sliding block (14) along the direction of relative movement (RB), there is arranged in each case at least one sensor (20); and e. position is determined in relation to position stops (16) at the advancement means (10).

2. Tool (1) according to Claim 1, in which the at least one sensor (20) comprises an inductive sensor.

3. Tool (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the relative movement (RB) comprises a reciprocal movement.

4. Tool (1) according to one of Claims 1-3, in which the at least one sensor (20) is arranged in a depression (17) in the movable sliding block (14).

5. Tool (1) according to Claim 4, in which the at least one sensor (20) is held in the depression (17) by means of a retaining means (22).

6. Tool (1) according to one of Claims 1-5, in which at least one position stop (16) is arranged at a reversal point for the relative movement (RB) of the movable sliding block (14).

7. Use of at least two sensors (20) for determination of position at a tool (1) for cable fabrication, said tool having an advancement means (10) with an advancement finger (12) for moving a carrier strip (2) along an advancement direction (X), wherein the at least two sensors (20) are arranged on a movable sliding block (14) of the advancement means (10), on opposite sides along the direction of a relative movement (RB), and position is determined in relation to position stops (16) at the advancement means (10).