Method and apparatus for brushing braid of conduit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for brushing the braided shield (14) of a cable (10), comprising the steps of: introducing and positioning the cable (10) with the exposed braided shield (14) in a support (2) along a first direction (X), counter-rotating (D) at least two brushes (4) of a brush system (3) in a plane (YZ) transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction (X), and moving the rotating at least two brushes (4) along a third direction (Z), in particular perpendicularly, towards the cable (10), such that the at least two rotating brushes (4) brush the exposed braided shield (14) at the circumference of the cable (10) into a vertex (15). The invention further relates to a device (1) for brushing the braided shield (14) of a cable (10).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a method and a device for brushing the braided shield of a cable, in particular a shielded cable for transmitting electrical signals. State of the art

[0002] When processing cables equipped with a braided shield, such as coaxial cables, the braided shield, and in particular the multitude of individual braided shield wires or strands, must be handled reliably. In the current state of the art, the braided shield wire or stranded shield is positioned and folded over a support sleeve applied to the cable using a longitudinal brush system or a mechanical slip-on system, so that the braided shield strands are parallel to the cable. In a subsequent step, vertical compressed air or a longitudinal brush is used to deform the braided shield so that no more shield wires are located in an area required for subsequent process steps.

[0003] A possible subsequent process step is crimping an outer conductor contact onto the cable in the area of ​​the support sleeve. Due to the parallel positioning of the shield strands on the support sleeve in the current state of the art, shield strands often become trapped in the crimping area of ​​the outer conductor or protrude from the crimping area when closing (crimping) the outer conductor. It can also happen that excessively long shield wires protrude from the outer conductor in the longitudinal direction of the cable on the cable outlet side, causing malfunctions or defects in the final product. Description of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method and a device with which the shielding braid of a cable is processed in such a way that subsequent process steps can be carried out reliably without interference from the shielding braid or individual shielding wires.

[0005] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 and a device according to claim 7. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

[0006] In particular, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for brushing the shielding braid of a cable, comprising the steps of: introducing and positioning the cable with exposed shielding braid in a support along a first direction, counter-rotating at least two brushes of a brush system in a plane transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction, and moving the rotating at least two brushes along a third direction, in particular perpendicularly, towards the cable, so that the at least two rotating brushes brush the exposed shielding braid at the circumference of the cable into a vertex.

[0007] This method enables the exposed braided shield of a cable to be reliably removed in a predetermined area, the crown. Without any disruptive braided shield, the crown allows for optimal further processing, for example, for subsequent crimping processes. By positioning the cable in the support, the crown can be precisely predetermined and formed. This also increases the precision of subsequent process steps. The counter-rotating brushes ensure symmetrical and reliable crown formation. The size or width of the crown can be easily adjusted via the height or movement along the third direction on the cable. Preferably, the crown is formed as far or as large as possible over the circumferential surface of the cable facing the brushes.The larger the apex, the lower the risk that the shield braid will be in the crimping area (on the apex) and cause interference when subsequently crimping on an outer conductor contact.

[0008] The cable preferably has a sleeve that is arranged, preferably firmly, on the cable, and the exposed braided shield has previously been bent 180 degrees against its original orientation in the cable, folded over the sleeve, and brushed lengthwise. The sleeve preferably comprises a crimp sleeve that has been applied to the cable for stabilization. The crimping of the sleeve as well as the folding and lengthwise brushing of the braided shield were carried out in previous process steps. The apex in the braided shield created by the present process makes it possible to clearly and reliably detect at least one edge, preferably both opposite edges, of the sleeve without any interfering braided shield. In particular, the edge(s) can be detected by optical systems that operate in the visible spectrum. Due to the clear and reliable detection of the edge(s), the sleeve can be used or employed as a reference point.Reference points increase precision, enable automated processing and / or simplify process steps.

[0009] The method preferably further comprises the subsequent step of moving at least two forming jaws along the first direction from the wire tips of the cable to the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid, so that the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid is pressed against the circumference of the cable or sleeve in the second direction. By brushing, the shielding braid is removed from the apex and brushed away laterally (tangentially), whereby the shielding braid can protrude radially from the cable as desired. The forming jaws correct the alignment of the brushed shielding braid so that the shielding braid is (again) aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction (along the first direction) of the cable or sleeve. By moving the forming jaws from the wire tips, the shielding braid is pressed against the cable or sleeve along its (folded and lengthwise brushed) orientation, and not against it (whereby it could stand up or bend).As a result, the brushed shield braid has an (approximately) L-shape. Due to the L-shape, the brushed shield braid has a shorter length in the first direction than before. This shorter length makes it much more likely that the shield braid will remain undisturbed within the outer conductor contact during subsequent crimping, thus avoiding interference during further processing and / or contacting.

[0010] Preferably, the at least two brushes are arranged in a second position relative to one another and partially overlap when rotating in opposite directions, and in particular, an overlapping region lies at least partially on a central axis. The overlapping of the brushes ensures that a complete apex is formed and no shielding braid remains unbrushed along the central axis. The alignment of the overlapping region on the central axis ensures that a apex can be formed very precisely and reliably at a specific location on the cable or sleeve - where the cable lies on the central axis, the apex extends to both sides transversely to the longitudinal direction of the cable.

[0011] Preferably, the brushed shield braid from the apex is brushed together with the exposed shield braid from other circumferential regions on the cable or sleeve and compacted. The other circumferential regions are in particular the circumferential regions that extend radially along the second direction. Brushing together and compacting the shield braid has the effect that more volume (of shield braid) is present in the circumferential regions (in the second direction) than in the remaining circumferential regions where the shield braid was not brushed or where the apex was formed. The uneven distribution of shield braid around the circumference of the cable or sleeve leads to increased pull-off values ​​when, for example, an outer conductor contact is crimped onto the exposed and brushed shield braid. Due to the increased pull-off values, a fixed or crimped outer conductor contact holds more reliably to the cable.

[0012] The method preferably further comprises the following steps: moving the at least two brushes along the third direction away from the cable, and then moving the at least two molding jaws along the first direction from the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid over the wire tips away from the cable, so that the cable is exposed and can be removed. By removing the molding jaws only at the end, the shielding braid is pressed onto the cable until the end. Moving the brushes and the molding jaws away facilitates the removal of the cable.

[0013] The above-mentioned problems are furthermore solved in particular by a device for brushing the braided shield of a cable, comprising: a support for positioning the cable along a first direction, a displaceable brush system with at least two brushes which can rotate in opposite directions in a plane (YZ) transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction, wherein the displaceable brush system can be displaced along a third direction transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction, so that the support is arranged between the at least two rotating brushes and the rotating brushes can brush exposed braided shield of the cable into a vertex on the circumference of the cable.

[0014] The present device for brushing the braided shield of a cable enables the reliable brushing of a crest in the braided shield of the cable. In particular, the present device can create a crest symmetrically around a predetermined central axis. The device can be integrated as a module of a process chain or in a cable assembly system, with the process chain using the crest for reliable further processing in subsequent (system) modules. The present device is easy to operate because, apart from the rotary movements of the brushes, only displacement operations along linear axes are performed. Furthermore, the device is easy to maintain because the components subject to wear, in particular the brushes, are easily accessible from the outside. The device preferably operates fully automatically.

[0015] Preferably, the brush radii of the at least two brushes are more than twice, preferably more than three times, and most preferably more than four times the cable radius. The larger brush radii enable (exclusive) brushing at the outer tips of the brushes. This results in less stress on the brushes (less bending), and the brushing process is gentler on the material.

[0016] The brush system preferably comprises at least two brushes on each side of a central axis, wherein the at least two brushes on each side are arranged at a distance along the first direction. The at least two separate brushes on each side of the central axis enable brushing in a first and a separate second section on the cable or sleeve. Brushing in two separate sections is gentler on the braided shield, the cable or sleeve, and the brushes, while still achieving a desired brushing result, i.e., the reliable expansion or formation of the gap in the braided shield, over a specific length.

[0017] The device preferably further comprises at least two forming jaws which can be displaced along the first direction towards or away from the cable in order to press the exposed and / or brushed braided shielding in a second direction against the cable or a sleeve on the cable. The displaceable forming jaws have the advantage that after the braided shielding has been brushed, the brushed braided shielding can be pressed against the cable or sleeve. As a result of the pressing, the braided shielding is smoothed and protrudes less or no longer at all from the cable or sleeve. As a result of the smoothing, the braided shielding causes less or no interference in subsequent process steps of the cable assembly, such as the application of an outer conductor contact.

[0018] The following description of embodiments is made with reference to the accompanying figures. In this figure: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device for brushing the braided shield of a cable; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a cable with exposed braided shield before the brushing process; and Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the cable with exposed braided shield after the brushing process.

[0019] In the following, preferred embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a device 1 for brushing the braided shield 14 of a cable 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 10 comprises a shielded cable for transmitting electrical signals, such as a coaxial cable. The illustrated cable further comprises a sleeve 12, such as a crimp sleeve, which is attached or crimped onto the cable 10. The viewing direction of the device 10 shown in Fig. 1illustrated embodiment is in the first direction X, ie in the feed direction of the line 10 on the device 1.

[0021] The illustrated device 1 comprises a support 2 for positioning the line 10 along the first direction X. The support 2 preferably has a groove shape, wherein the line 10 can be deposited securely in the groove. Preferably, a stopper or similar device is arranged on the support 2 in the first direction X, which indicates maximum insertion of the line 10 into the device 1. The support 2 preferably positions the line 10 centrally between the at least two brushes 4. The central alignment is present both in the first and in the second position P1, P2, in which the brushes 4 can be arranged relative to one another. The support 2 serves as a counterforce during brushing.

[0022] The illustrated device 1 further comprises a displaceable brush system 3. The illustrated brush system 3 comprises at least two brushes 4, which can rotate in opposite directions in a plane YZ transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction X. The brushes 4 can be arranged as shown in Fig. 1 shown in the first position P1, with a further distance or gap between them. The brushes 4 can also be moved towards each other, preferably along the second direction Y, so that the brushes 4 are moved from the first to the second position P1, P2. In the second position P2, the brushes 4 overlap in a partial or overlapping area.

[0023] The illustrated displaceable brush system 3 can further be displaced by a height H along a third direction Z transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction X. During displacement (along the second and / or third direction Y, Z), the at least two brushes 4 are preferably displaced synchronously, i.e. simultaneously. The height H by which the brush system 3 is displaced can determine an (average) width B of the apex 15. The further the brush system 3 is displaced by a height H onto the line 10, the greater the width B of the apex 15 is formed. The displacement can take place until a maximum width B, which corresponds to the diameter of the line 10, is reached.

[0024] When the brush system 3 is displaced by a certain height H in the direction of the cable 10, the support 2 (with the cable) comes between the at least two rotating brushes 4. The rotating brushes 4 can then brush the exposed shielding braid 14 of the cable 10 into a vertex 15 on the circumference of the cable 10 (see Fig. 3 ). The brush radii R1 of the at least two brushes 4 comprise, as shown in Fig. 1 shown, more than twice, preferably more than three times, most preferably more than four times, the line radius R2.

[0025] The brush system 3 may in one embodiment comprise at least two brushes 4 on each side of the central axis M. In Fig. 1 In this embodiment, the brushes would then be in the first direction X, ie in the image plane of Fig. 1in, arranged one behind the other. The at least two brushes 4 on each side along the first direction X are then preferably arranged at a distance from one another. Due to the distance, the brushes 4 then brush in at least two separate sections A1, A2 on the line 10 or sleeve 12 (see Fig. 2 ). A spacer may be provided between the two brushes 4 on each side.

[0026] Furthermore, the illustrated device 1 has at least two mold jaws 6, which can be displaced along the first direction X toward or away from the cable 10. The mold jaws are configured to press the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid 14, 14a in the second direction Y against the cable 10 or a sleeve 12 on the cable 10. The mold jaws are preferably solid, elongated components that can exert contact pressure on the shielding braid 14, 14a.

[0027] An embodiment of a method for brushing the braided shield 14 of a cable 10 comprises the following steps. All of the above-mentioned steps are preferably carried out automatically. In a preferred embodiment, the cable 10 comprises a sleeve 12, which is arranged, preferably firmly, on the cable 10. After pre-processing of the cable 10, the cable 10 comprises exposed braided shield 14, which, contrary to its original orientation in the cable 10, has been bent by 180 degrees, folded over the cable 10 or sleeve 12, and brushed lengthwise. At the free cable end, cores 16 of the cable can be exposed. An embodiment of a starting product for the present method is described in Fig. 2 shown.

[0028] First, the cable 10 is inserted and positioned with the braided shield 14 exposed in the support 2. The cable 10 is aligned along the first direction X. In a preferred embodiment, the cable 10 is inserted into the device 1 parallel and spaced from the support 2 along the first direction X. The cable 10 is then placed in the support 2 along the third direction Z. If necessary, further adjustment is carried out, for example by bringing the cable 10 into contact with the above-mentioned stopper, until the cable 10 is positioned in the support 2.

[0029] After or parallel to the insertion and positioning of the cable 10, a counter-rotation or turning D of the at least two brushes 4 of the brush system 3 takes place. Counter-rotation means a rotation or turning D of the brushes 4 towards each other or with opposite directions of rotation towards the cable 10.

[0030] If the brushes 4 were originally spaced apart from one another, ie were in the first position P1 relative to one another, they are initially moved towards one another until they are arranged in the second position P2, preferably overlapping one another in a partial area, so that the brushes 4 are located in a circumferential section at, or better on, the central axis M. The counter-rotation D takes place in a plane YZ transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction X.

[0031] Subsequently, the at least two rotating brushes 4 are moved along the third direction Z, in particular perpendicularly, by a height H towards the cable 10. The height H is predetermined depending on the cable 10 (or cable radius R2) and the desired apex 15 (or width B). As soon as the at least two rotating brushes 4 reach the braided shield 14 of the cable 10, the at least two rotating brushes 4 brush the exposed braided shield 14 on the circumference of the cable 10 or sleeve 12 into a apex 15 (cf. Fig. 2 and 3 ). In particular, when the rotating brushes 4 are lowered, the surface facing the brushes (in Fig. 1 above) exposed shield braid 14 laterally tangentially perpendicular to the cable 10 (in Fig. 1 downwards).

[0032] The apex 15 is preferably a double-sided apex 15 which extends symmetrically around the central axis M. On average, the apex 15 has a predetermined width B. In the area of ​​the apex 15, there is no shielding braid 14, 14a. The apex 15 forms a partial exposure of the cable 10 or the sleeve 12. In particular, in the Fig. 3 In the embodiment shown, a crown 15 or the exposure of a sleeve edge 13 of the sleeve 12 can be clearly seen. By brushing the crown 15, the brushed shield braid 14a extends along opposite sides of the cable 10 or sleeve 12 in the second direction Y. In particular, the brushed shield braid 14a from the crown 15 is brushed together and compacted with the exposed shield braid 14 of other circumferential regions on the cable 10 or sleeve 12.

[0033] The result is an asymmetrical arrangement of shielding braid 14, 14a along the circumference of the line 10 or sleeve 12. A section through the line 10 or sleeve 12 in the region of the apex 15 results in at least three regions of different thickness of shielding braid 14, 14a. A first region, i.e. the apex 15, in which no shielding braid 14, 14a is arranged. A second region with a single layer of exposed shielding braid 14, which has been folded over the line 10 or sleeve 12 and brushed lengthwise. The second region is arranged on a side of the line 10 or sleeve 12 facing away from the brushes 4. And a third region, which comprises the brushed together and compacted shielding braid 14a. The third region comprises Fig. 3two regions on opposite sides of the apex 15, in the circumferential direction between the apex 15 and the first region. Due to the asymmetrical arrangement of the shield braid 14, 14a, different pull-off forces arise, for example, when crimping an outer conductor contact over the shield braid 14, 14a, and these pull-off forces are particularly increased in the third region.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the apex brushing is followed by a movement of at least two forming jaws 6 along the first direction X from the wire tips 17 of the cable 10 to the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid 14, 14a. Fig. 1it would be a movement of the molding jaws 6 out of the figure plane YZ. Due to the movement of the molding jaws 6, the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid 14, 14a is pressed in the second direction Y against the circumference of the cable 10 or sleeve 12. Viewed along the second direction Y, the brushed shielding braid 14a has an (approximately) L-shape. Due to the L-shape, the length L of the brushed shielding braid 14a is shortened in the first direction X.

[0035] After brushing the apex 15, the following steps can be performed: Moving the at least two brushes 4 along the third direction Z away from the cable 10. Finally, the at least two forming jaws 6 can be moved along the first direction X from the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid 14, 14a over the wire tips 17 away from the cable 10 (i.e., into the plane YZ of the figure). As a result, the cable 10 is exposed and can be removed from the device 1. The device 1 is then ready for a subsequent process cycle. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0036] 1Device 2Support 3Brush system 4Brushes 6Form jaws 10Cable 12Sleeve 13Sleeve edge 14Shield braid 14Abraided shield braid 15Crest 16Cable core(s) 17Core tip(s) A1First section A2Second section BWidth DRotation (direction of rotation) HHeight LLength MCenter axis P1First position P2Second position R1Brush radius R2Cable radius XFirst direction YSecond direction ZThird direction Y-Z plane

Claims

1. A method for brushing the braided shield (14) of a cable (10), comprising the steps of: a. inserting and positioning the cable (10) with the exposed braided shield (14) in a support (2) along a first direction (X); b. counter-rotating (D) at least two brushes (4) of a brush system (3) in a plane (YZ) transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction (X); and c. moving the rotating at least two brushes (4) along a third direction (Z), in particular perpendicularly, towards the cable (10), such that the at least two rotating brushes (4) brush the exposed braided shield (14) at the circumference of the cable (10) into a vertex (15).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the cable (10) has a sleeve (12) which is arranged, preferably fixedly, on the cable (10), and the exposed shielding braid (14) has previously been bent 180 degrees against its original orientation in the cable (10) and folded over the sleeve (12) and brushed lengthwise.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the subsequent step: moving at least two mold jaws (6) along the first direction (X) from wire tips (17) of the cable (10) towards the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid (14, 14a) so that the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid (14, 14a) is pressed in the second direction (Y) against the circumference of the cable (10) or sleeve (12).

4. Method according to one of claims 1 - 3, in which the at least two brushes (4) are arranged in a second position (P2) relative to one another and partially overlap during counter-rotation (D), and in particular an overlap region lies at least partially on a central axis (M).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the brushed shielding braid (14a) from the apex (15) is brushed together and compacted with the exposed shielding braid (14) of other circumferential regions on the line (10) or sleeve (12).

6. Method according to one of claims 3 - 5, further comprising the subsequent steps: moving the at least two brushes (4) along the third direction (Z) away from the line (10), and then moving the at least two forming jaws (6) along the first direction (X) from the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid (14, 14a) over the wire tips (17) away from the line (10), so that the line (10) is exposed and can be removed.

7. A device (1) for brushing the braided shield (14) of a cable (10), preferably using a method according to one of claims 1-6, comprising: a. a support (2) for positioning the cable (10) along a first direction (X); b. a displaceable brush system (3) with at least two brushes (4) that can rotate in opposite directions in a plane (YZ) transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction (X); wherein c. the displaceable brush system (3) can be displaced along a third direction (Z) transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the first direction (X), so that the support (2) is arranged between the at least two rotating brushes (4) and the rotating brushes (4) can brush exposed braided shield (14) of the cable (10) into a vertex (15) on the circumference of the cable (10).

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the brush radii (R1) of the at least two brushes (4) are more than twice, preferably more than three times, most preferably more than four times, the line radius (R2).

9. Device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the brush system (3) comprises at least two brushes (4) on each side of a central axis (M), the at least two brushes (4) on each side being arranged at a distance along the first direction (X).

10. Device according to one of claims 7 - 9, further comprising at least two mold jaws (6) which can be moved along the first direction (X) towards or away from the line (10) in order to press the exposed and / or brushed shielding braid (14, 14a) in a second direction (Y) onto the line (10) or a sleeve (12) on the line (10).

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