Device and method for pre-spreading a braid of an electrical cable; device, installation and method for spreading such a braid

Abstract

Device and method for pre-spreading a braid of an electrical cable; device, installation, and method for spreading such a braid. The invention relates to a device for pre-spreading (1) a braid (D) comprising an electrical cable (A). This invention also relates to a method for pre-spreading such a braid (D). The invention further relates to a spreading system and a method for spreading a braid (D) of an electrical cable (A). This invention also relates to an installation for spreading a braid (D) of an electrical cable (A), said installation comprising said pre-spreading device (1) and said spreading system for such a braid (D). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Device and method for pre-separating a braid of an electric cable, device, installation and method for separating such a braid

[0001] The invention relates to a device for pre-spacing a braid of an electric cable. This invention also relates to a method for pre-spacing such a braid, such a method being capable of being implemented by said pre-spacing device. The invention further relates to a system for spacing a braid of an electric cable. This invention also relates to a method for spacing such a braid, such a method being capable of being implemented by said spacing system. Finally, the invention relates to an installation for spacing a braid of an electric cable. Such an installation comprises said pre-spacing device as well as said spacing system.

[0002] This invention relates to the field of tools for preparing electric cables, more particularly coaxial electric cables, with a view to associating them with a connection plug or a connection socket.

[0003] In fact, such a preparation consists, first of all, in pre-separating the braid that such an electric cable comprises, this in relation to a core that such an electric cable comprises. This preparation consists, then and after having carried out such a pre-separating, in separating this braid in relation to said core, this with more amplitude.

[0004] Devices are already known for pre-separating a braid contained in an electric cable, more particularly a coaxial electric cable.

[0005] Such a pre-spacing device comprises a diaphragm which is configured to close on the braid of an electric cable, in order to ensure pre-spacing of said braid. Such a pre-spacing device comprises numerous moving parts which makes this device fragile, unreliable, particularly complex and expensive. In addition, the implementation of this pre-spacing device (in particular of the diaphragm) does not allow the strands of the braid to be disentangled sufficiently effectively, which, at the exit of the pre-spacing device, still remain very tangled, which complicates the next step which consists of further spacing the braid away from the core of the electric cable.

[0006] Such spacing is ensured by means of a spacing system which comprises a hollow tube inside which the core of the electric cable is engaged while the braid is held outside this hollow tube. This spacing system also comprises means for blowing air through the hollow tube, this in order to untangle the strands of the braid to facilitate the spacing of this braid. The presence of these means for blowing air significantly complicates the design of the spacing system and makes this spacing system more expensive, without improving the effectiveness of the braid spacing. In addition, these means for blowing air tend to detach a strip that the electric cable contains between the core and the braid. This strip then presses against the braid so that it is even more difficult to untangle the strands of this braid.

[0007] Finally, the pre-spacing device and the spacing system are grouped together within a single installation for spacing a braid of an electric cable. This installation proves to be complex from a mechanical and technical point of view as well as particularly expensive.

[0008] An objective of the present invention is to improve the pre-spacing of a braid of an electric cable, in order to facilitate and make more efficient the spacing of this braid.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to improve the spacing of a braid of an electric cable, this to facilitate the association of such an electric cable with a connection plug or a connection socket.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the pre-spacing devices as well as the systems for spacing a braid of an electric cable of the state of the art.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a device for pre-spacing a braid that an electric cable comprises, this pre-spacing device comprises, on the one hand, a chassis, on the other hand, support means which are configured to bear against the braid of the electric cable, on the other hand, displacement mounting means which are configured to mount the support means in displacement relative to the chassis, this between an inactive position and an active position of support of these support means against the braid of the electric cable and, on the other hand also, rotation mounting means which are configured to mount the support means in rotation around an axis of rotation and relative to the chassis.

[0012] According to another characteristic, this pre-spacing device comprises a clamp which comprises at least two jaws, at least one of which comprises at least part of said support means.

[0013] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that the displacement mounting means comprise translation mounting means along a translation axis of the support means, this relative to the chassis and / or relative to the rotation mounting means and / or in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis around which the support means are mounted in rotation.

[0014] The invention also relates to a method for pre-separating a braid that comprises an electric cable, this method consists in that, on the one hand, one takes support against the braid of the electric cable by means of support means, and, on the other hand and while maintaining these support means in contact with the braid, at least one rotation of the support means around the braid is ensured, this in at least one direction of rotation.

[0015] The invention also relates to a system for spacing a braid that an electric cable comprises, this spacing system comprises, on the one hand, a chassis, on the other hand, a hollow tube intended to internally receive a part, that the electric cable comprises, and which is surrounded by said braid, on the other hand again, a part, which comprises a housing inside which is housed a part of the hollow tube, and which has a bearing face intended to come into abutment against said braid, on the other hand also, means for mounting in translation, along a translation axis, of the part relative to the hollow tube, this between a deployed position of at least a part of the hollow tube outside the housing and a retracted position of at least a part of the hollow tube inside the housing and, on the other hand also, means for mounting in rotation, around an axis of rotation, of the hollow tube and / or the part, this relative to the chassis.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for separating a braid that an electric cable comprises, this method consists in that, on the one hand, a part of the electric cable surrounded by the braid is introduced inside a hollow tube, on the other hand, a part is translated which comprises a housing inside which is housed at least a part of the hollow tube, this in relation to the hollow tube and to the electric cable, on the other hand again, a bearing surface that said part comprises is ensured against the braid and, on the other hand also, a rotation of the hollow tube and / or of the part is ensured in relation to the electric cable.

[0017] The invention also relates to an installation for spacing a braid that an electric cable comprises, this installation comprises, on the one hand, a device for pre-spacing such a braid and, on the other hand, a system for spacing such a braid, characterized in that, on the one hand, the pre-spacing device has the characteristics described above and, on the other hand, the spacing system has the characteristics described above.

[0018] Finally, the invention relates to a method for separating a braid that an electric cable comprises, this method consists in that, on the one hand, the braid of the electric cable is pre-separated in accordance with the pre-separating method described above and, on the other hand, the braid of the cable is separated in accordance with the separating method described above.

[0019] Thus, the invention relates to a device for pre-separating a braid of an electric cable. This device comprises support means as well as means for rotating these support means. These rotational mounting means allow, advantageously and when the support means are in contact with the braid, to untangle the strands of the braid and, thus, to facilitate and make more effective the pre-separation of this braid.

[0020] This pre-spacing device comprises means for mounting the support means in displacement between an inactive position and an active support position. These means for mounting in displacement comprise means for mounting said support means in translation. These means for mounting in translation advantageously have a simplified design, improved efficiency, and a reduced cost price compared to a diaphragm of the state of the art.

[0021] The invention also relates to a system for spacing the braid of an electric cable. This spacing system comprises, on the one hand, a hollow tube inside which a part of the electric cable is positioned and outside which the braid of this cable is positioned, on the other hand, a part inside which a part of the hollow tube is positioned and, on the other hand, means for rotating the hollow tube and / or the part relative to a chassis and, therefore, relative to the electric cable. These rotational mounting means advantageously have a simplified design and improved efficiency compared to means for blowing air of the state of the art.The presence of these rotating mounting means also and advantageously makes it possible to maintain the strip applied against the core of the electric cable, to prevent this strip from coming off this core and from being pressed against the braid and, thus, to improve the spacing of this braid.

[0022] Finally, the invention relates to an installation for spacing a braid of an electric cable which comprises, on the one hand, said aforementioned pre-spacing device for this braid, on the other hand, said aforementioned spacing system for this braid, on the other hand, means for positioning the electric cable relative to this pre-spacing device and relative to this spacing system and, on the other hand, means for mounting the positioning means in a displacement manner, this between a pre-spacing position relative to this pre-spacing device and a spacing position relative to the spacing system.The presence of these positioning means advantageously makes it possible to position the positioning means (and, consequently, the cable whose braid must be pre-spread and spread) in a simple, rapid, efficient and precise manner in relation to the pre-spreading device as well as in relation to the spreading system.

[0023] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, with reference to the appended figures in which:

[0024] [Fig.l] represents a schematic and perspective view of a device for pre-spacing a braid of an electric cable according to the invention.

[0025] [Fig.2] represents a schematic view, in perspective and in detail of a cable electrical and the pre-spacing device illustrated [Fig.l], this in a first inactive position of support of the support means against the braid of the electric cable.

[0026] [Fig.3] represents a view similar to [Fig.2], this in a first position active support of the support means against the braid of the electric cable.

[0027] [Fig.4] represents a view similar to figures 2 and 3, this in a second inactive position of support of the support means against the braid of the electric cable.

[0028] [Fig.5] represents a view similar to figures 2 to 4, this in a second active support position of the support means against the braid of the electric cable.

[0029] [Fig.6] represents a schematic view, in perspective and in detail of a cable electrical and of the spacing system of a braid of such an electrical cable according to the invention, this in an inactive position of cooperation of the electrical cable with this spacing system.

[0030] [Fig.7] represents a view similar to [Fig.6], this in an active position of co operation of the electric cable and the braid of this electric cable with the hollow tube of the spacer system.

[0031] [Fig.8] represents a view similar to figures 6 and 7, this in a position of cooperation of the braid of the electric cable with the part of the spacing system.

[0032] With particular reference to the above-mentioned figures, the present invention relates to the field of tools for preparing electric cables, more particularly coaxial electric cables, with a view to associating them with a connection plug or a connection socket.

[0033] Such an electric cable A comprises, on the one hand, an electric wire B which is made of an electrically conductive material, on the other hand, a core C, which is made of a dielectric or insulating material, and which surrounds the electric wire, on the other hand, a braid D, which surrounds the core C, which is made of an electrically conductive material, and which is constituted by braided strands and, on the other hand, also, a sheath E, which is made of an insulating material, and which surrounds the braid D. Such an electric cable A may also comprise a foil (usually known by the Anglo-Saxon term "foil"), which is interposed between the core C and the braid D, which surrounds said core C, and which is made of a metallic material (in particular copper or aluminum).

[0034] In order to carry out the preparation of such an electric cable A, it is appropriate, in a first step, to pre-separate the braid D of such an electric cable A, this in relation to the core C of this electric cable A and, in a second step and after having pre-separated this braid D, to separate this braid D from the electric cable A, again in relation to the core C of this electric cable A.

[0035] The invention then relates to a pre-spacing device 1 for the braid D that comprises the electric cable A, this with respect to the core C of this electric cable A.

[0036] This pre-spacing device 1 comprises a frame 2 which is configured to come to rest (or even, and preferably, to be fixed) on a support (not shown), in particular constituted by a table or the like.

[0037] This pre-spacing device 1 also comprises support means 3 which are configured to bear against the braid D of the electric cable A, this with a view to pre-spacing this braid D relative to the core C of this electric cable A.

[0038] Such support means 3 may comprise at least one caster (30; 30') which is each movable in rotation around an axis of rotation.

[0039] This pre-spacing device 1 also comprises displacement mounting means 4 which are configured to mount the support means 3 in displacement relative to the chassis 2 (and, then also, relative to the electric cable A), this between an inactive position (figures 2 and 4) and an active position (figures 3 and 5) of support of these support means 3 against the braid D of the electric cable A.

[0040] Such displacement mounting means 4 may consist of pivoting mounting means of said support means 3, this around a pivoting axis and / or relative to the chassis 2 (solution not shown) and / or relative to rotation mounting means 6 (as they will be described below).

[0041] In this regard, it will be observed that this pivot axis is preferably perpendicular to an axis along which the electric cable A extends, the braid D of which must be pre-spread.

[0042] However, and according to a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, these displacement mounting means 4 comprise translation mounting means along a translation axis of the support means 3, this relative to the chassis 2 and / or relative to rotation mounting means 6 (as they will be described below), in particular relative to (or even, and preferably, on) a plate 60 that such rotation mounting means 6 comprise (as will be described in more detail below).

[0043] In this regard, it will be observed that this translation axis is preferably perpendicular to the axis along which the electric cable A extends, the braid D of which must be pre-spread.

[0044] The pre-spacing device 1 then also comprises displacement drive means 5, which are associated with the displacement mounting means 4, and which are configured to drive the support means 3 in displacement (more particularly in pivoting or, and preferably, in translation), this relative to the chassis 2 and / or relative to the rotation mounting means 6 described below (in particular on these rotation mounting means 6, more particularly relative to the aforementioned plate 60, in particular on this plate 60) and / or between the inactive position and the active position of support of these support means 3 against the braid D. These movement drive means 5 can be motorized and / or comprise a motor.

[0045] Yet another characteristic concerns the fact that the pre-spacing device 1 also comprises rotational mounting means 6 which are configured to mount the support means 3 in rotation around an axis of rotation and relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2.

[0046] In this regard, it will be observed that this axis of rotation is at least parallel to (or even and preferably coincident with) the axis along which the electric cable A extends, the braid D of which must be pre-spread.

[0047] It will be observed that these rotational mounting means 6 comprise said aforementioned plate 60, on the one hand, on which the support means 3 are mounted in displacement (more particularly in translation) and, on the other hand, which is movable in rotation (more particularly around the aforementioned axis of rotation) relative to the chassis 2, in particular mounted movable in rotation on this chassis 2.

[0048] As mentioned above, the support means 3 comprise at least one caster (30; 30') which is each movable in rotation about an axis of rotation. Such an axis of rotation is, then, more particularly, parallel to the axis of rotation about which the support means 3 are mounted in rotation.

[0049] Also as mentioned above, the displacement mounting means 4 comprise translation mounting means along a translation axis of the support means 3 relative to the chassis 2. In this regard, it will be observed that, alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, these translation mounting means may then be translation mounting means of these support means 3, this relative to the rotation mounting means 6 of the support means 3 (more particularly on these rotation mounting means 6 of these support means 3, in particular relative to said plate 60 which these rotation mounting means 4 comprise, more particularly on this plate 60 as mentioned above) and / or in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis around which the support means 3 are mounted in rotation.

[0050] The pre-spacing device 1 then also comprises rotation drive means 7, which are associated with the rotation mounting means 6, and which are configured to rotate the support means 3 (more particularly the plate 60 on which the support means 3 are mounted in movement, more particularly by means of the movement mounting means 4), this relative to the chassis 2. These rotation drive means 7 can be motorized and / or comprise a motor.

[0051] According to another characteristic of the pre-spacing device 1, the latter 1 comprises a clamp 8 which comprises at least two jaws (80; 80') of which at least one comprises at least a part of said support means 3, or even (and preferably) of which both each comprise at least a part of said support means 3. Such a clamp 8 may be a so-called rotary clamp.

[0052] In this regard, it will be observed that, on the one hand, one 80 of said jaws (80; 80') can then comprise at least one roller 30 as described above and, on the other hand, the other 80' of said jaws (80; 80') can comprise at least one roller 30' (or even, and preferably, two rollers 30' as illustrated in the figures in the appendix) as described above.

[0053] Also and according to another characteristic of the invention, the aforementioned rotational mounting means 6 (of the support means 3) may then comprise (or even be constituted by) rotational mounting means of said clamp 8 (more particularly of at least one of the jaws 80; 80' of this clamp 8) relative to the chassis 2, more particularly on this chassis 2.

[0054] In addition, said means 4 for mounting the support means 3 in displacement may then comprise (or even be constituted by) means for mounting in displacement (more particularly in translation along a translation axis as described above) at least one of said jaws (80; 80') of the clamp 8 relative to the rotational mounting means 6 (more particularly on these rotational mounting means 6, in particular relative to, or even on, said plate 60), this between an inactive position (figures 2 and 4) and an active position (figures 3 and 5) of support of such a jaw (80; 80') against the braid T of the electric cable C.

[0055] Yet another characteristic of the invention concerns the fact that the pre-spacing device 1 comprises positioning means 9, which extend along a positioning axis which is at least parallel to (or even and preferably coincident with) the axis of rotation around which the support means 3 are mounted in rotation, and which are configured to position said electric cable A so that it extends along said positioning axis.

[0056] Yet another characteristic of this pre-spacing device 1 concerns the fact that it further comprises translational mounting means 10 which are configured to mount in translation along the positioning axis and / or along the rotation axis, either the positioning means 9 relative to said support means 3 (more particularly relative to at least one of the two jaws 80; 80' of the clamp 8), or (and preferably) said support means 3 (more particularly at least one of the two jaws 80; 80' of the clamp 8) relative to the positioning means 9.

[0057] In this regard, it will be observed that these translation mounting means 10 are, more particularly, configured to mount the support means 3 (or even the displacement mounting means 4 and / or the rotation mounting means 6) in translation. relative to at least one part of the chassis 2 (more particularly a part of the chassis 2 which is mounted, or even fixed, on said support). In particular, these translation mounting means 10 can be configured to mount a part of the chassis 2 (on which the support means 3 are mounted, in particular by means of the displacement mounting means 4 and / or the rotation mounting means 6) on another part of said chassis 2 (more particularly said part of the chassis 2 which is mounted, or even fixed, on said support).

[0058] Such translational mounting means 10 advantageously make it possible to move the support means 3 (more particularly the clamp 8 which comprises these support means 3) longitudinally relative to the electric cable A (more particularly relative to the braid D of this electric cable A), this in order to bear against said braid D at different points of this braid D. This results in an improvement in the pre-spacing of this braid D.

[0059] The pre-spacing device 1 then also comprises translational drive means 11, which are associated with the translational mounting means 10, and which are configured to drive the positioning means 9 in translation (relative to the support means 3) or (and preferably) the support means 3 (relative to the positioning means 9). In fact, these translational drive means 11 are preferably configured to drive at least one part of the chassis 2 in translation (more particularly a part of the chassis 2 on which the support means 3 are mounted, in particular by means of the displacement mounting means 4 and / or the rotation mounting means 6) relative to another part of said chassis 2 (which is mounted, or even fixed, on said support). These translational drive means 11 may be motorized and / or comprise a motor.

[0060] In fact, it is, more particularly, the chassis 2 which comprises at least a part of said rotational mounting means 6 and / or at least a part of said rotational drive means 7 and / or at least a part of said translational mounting means 10 and / or at least a part of said translational drive means 11.

[0061] The invention also relates to a method for pre-spacing a braid D which comprises an electric cable A (which has the characteristics described above).

[0062] This method can, in particular and advantageously (but not exclusively), be implemented by means of the pre-spacing device 1 described above.

[0063] This method consists in that, on the one hand, support is taken against the braid D of the electric cable A by means of support means 3, and, on the other hand and while maintaining these support means 3 in support against the braid D, at least one rotation of the support means 3 around the braid D, this in at least one direction of rotation, in particular in a single direction of rotation.

[0064] Such a direction of rotation is preferably opposite to the direction of braiding of the strands of the braid D of the electric cable A. This advantageously makes it possible to untangle the strands of this braid D in an appropriate manner.

[0065] According to another characteristic, such rotation is ensured at an angle of between 90° and 270°, more particularly of the order of 180°.

[0066] Additionally, the method may also consist of ensuring at least one other rotation of the support means 3 around the braid D, this in an opposite direction of rotation (namely in the direction of braiding of the strands of the braid D) and while maintaining the support means 3 in abutment against the braid D.

[0067] In fact, in this method, support is taken against the braid D by means of the support means 3 (which have the characteristics described above), more particularly associated with displacement mounting means 4 as described above and under the effect of the displacement drive means 5 as described above.

[0068] The method also and successively consists, after having ensured said at least one rotation (of the support means 3 around the braid D) in at least one direction of rotation, in interrupting the support of the support means 3 against the braid D, in moving the support means 3 longitudinally relative to the braid D, in pressing against the braid D by means of the support means 3 and, on the one hand (and while pressing against the braid D), in ensuring at least one rotation of the support means 3 around the braid D, this in at least one direction of rotation, in particular in a single direction of rotation.

[0069] Such a direction of rotation is, again and preferably, opposite to the direction of braiding of the strands of the braid D of the electric cable A.

[0070] According to another characteristic, such rotation is again ensured at an angle of between 90° and 270°, more particularly of the order of 180°.

[0071] Additionally, the method may also consist of ensuring at least one other rotation of the support means 3 around the braid D, this in at least one opposite direction (namely in the direction of braiding of the strands of the braid D) and while maintaining the support means 3 in abutment against the braid D.

[0072] In this method, at least one rotation of the support means 3 (which have the characteristics described above and / or which are included in said clamp 8 described above) is ensured, more particularly associated with rotation mounting means 6 as described above and / or under the effect of the rotation drive means 7 as described above.

[0073] The invention also relates to a spacing system 13 of a braid D that includes an electric cable A (in particular which has the characteristics described above).

[0074] This spacing system 13 of such a braid D is configured to spread the braid D from an electric cable A (in particular which has the characteristics described above), more particularly configured to spread the pre-spread braid D from such an electric cable A, in particular a braid D which has been pre-spread by means of a pre-spreading device 1 as described above and / or by implementing the pre-spreading method described above.

[0075] This spacing system 13 comprises a frame 14 which is configured to rest (or even, and preferably, to be fixed) on a support (not shown), in particular constituted by a table or the like.

[0076] This spacing system 13 also comprises a hollow tube 15 intended to internally receive a part (more particularly the electric wire B, the core C which surrounds the electric wire B, or even the strip which surrounds the core C), which comprises the electric cable A, and which is surrounded by said braid D. This hollow tube 15 extends along an extension axis.

[0077] This spacing system also comprises a part 16 which comprises a housing 160 inside which is housed a part of the hollow tube 15. This housing 160 extends along the extension axis along which this hollow tube 15 extends.

[0078] This part 16 has a bearing face 161 intended to come into contact with said braid D. This bearing face 161 extends perpendicularly to the extension axis along which the hollow tube 15 extends.

[0079] This part 16 comprises a block which adopts the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped or cube.

[0080] This spacing system 13 also comprises means 17 for translationally mounting the part 16, along a translation axis, relative to the hollow tube 15, between a deployed position of at least a portion of the hollow tube 15 outside the housing 160 ([Fig. 6] and 7) and a retracted position of at least a portion (or even, and preferably, of the entirety) of the hollow tube 15 inside the housing 160 ([Fig. 8]).

[0081] These translation mounting means 17 advantageously allow, when the part of the electric cable A is received by the hollow tube 15 and under the effect of the translation (along the translation axis) of the part 16 relative to this hollow tube 15, to ensure a bearing engagement of the braid D of the electric cable A against the bearing face 161 and, thus, a spacing of said braid D, in particular relative to the core B of said electric cable A.

[0082] In fact, these translation mounting means 17 comprise, more particularly, means for translation mounting of the part 16 relative to the chassis 14, more particularly on this chassis 14, this along said translation axis.

[0083] It will be observed that said translation axis is at least parallel to (or even, and preferably, coincident with) the extension axis along which the hollow tube 15 extends.

[0084] This spacing system 13 then also comprises means 18 for driving the part 16 in translation relative to the hollow tube 15, along said translation axis.

[0085] In fact, these translational drive means 18 are, more particularly, configured to ensure translational drive of this part 16 relative to the chassis 14, this along said translational axis. These translational drive means 18 may be of the pneumatic, hydraulic or electric type (and, then, be motorized and / or comprise a motor). A particular embodiment consists in that these translational drive means 18 comprise a jack, in particular a pneumatic jack.

[0086] This spacing system 13 also comprises means 19 for rotating the hollow tube 15 and / or the part 16 around an axis of rotation, relative to the chassis 14.

[0087] Such rotational mounting means 19 advantageously make it possible to press the strip of the electric cable A (or to keep this strip pressed) against the core C of this electric cable A and / or to improve the spacing of said braid D, in particular with respect to the core B of the electric cable A.

[0088] According to a particular embodiment, these rotational mounting means 18 are, more particularly, configured to ensure rotational mounting (around said axis of rotation) of said hollow tube 15 relative to the chassis 14 (or even also relative to said part 16), more particularly on this chassis 14.

[0089] It will be observed that said axis of rotation is at least parallel to (or even, and preferably, coincident with) the axis of extension along which the hollow tube 15 extends.

[0090] The spacing system 13 also comprises means 20 for driving the hollow tube 15 and / or the part 16 in rotation (around said axis of rotation), this relative to the chassis 14.

[0091] In fact, these rotational drive means 20 are, more particularly, configured to drive said hollow tube 15 in rotation (around the axis of rotation), this relative to the chassis 14 (or even also relative to said part 16).

[0092] These rotational drive means 20 may be motorized and / or comprise a motor. A particular embodiment consists in that these rotational drive means 20 comprise a motor, or even a transmission means (in the form of a belt or the like) of a rotational movement between said motor and the tube 15.

[0093] Finally, said spacing system 13 comprises positioning means 21, which extend along a positioning axis which is at least parallel to the axis of rotation (of the hollow tube 15 and / or of the part 16) and / or to the translation axis (of the part 16 relative to the hollow tube 15), and which are configured to position said electric cable A so that it extends along said positioning axis.

[0094] It will be observed that said positioning means 21 (which the spacing system 13 comprises) can advantageously be constituted by the positioning means 9 which the pre-spacing device 1 comprises.

[0095] The invention also relates to a method of spacing a braid D which an electric cable A comprises.

[0096] This method can, in particular and advantageously (but not exclusively), be implemented by means of the spacing system 13 described above.

[0097] This spacing method consists in that, on the one hand, a part (more particularly the electric wire B, the core C which surrounds the electric wire B, or even the strip which surrounds the core C) is introduced, which comprises the electric cable A, and which is surrounded by the braid D (which should be separated) inside a hollow tube 15, more particularly which comprises the spacing system 13 described above and which has the characteristics described above.

[0098] In fact, said part of the electric cable A is introduced inside the hollow tube 15 until this electric cable A (more particularly the sheath E and / or the braid D of this electric cable A) rests against this hollow tube 15.

[0099] On the other hand, this method consists in translating a part 16 (more particularly which comprises the spacing system 13 described above and which has the characteristics described above) which comprises a housing 160 inside which is housed (in a translationally movable manner) at least a part of the hollow tube 15, this relative to the hollow tube 15 and to the electric cable A (which is, more particularly, in abutment against the hollow tube 15).

[0100] In this regard, it will be observed that the part 16 is translated relative to the hollow tube 15, along a translation axis which is at least parallel to (or even, and preferably, coincident with) an extension axis along which this hollow tube 15 extends.

[0101] Furthermore, this method consists in ensuring a support of a support face 161 that said part 16 comprises (more particularly that the spacing system 13 described above comprises and which has the characteristics described above) against the braid D.

[0102] In this regard, it will be observed that such a support is at least partly ensured by the translation of the part 16 relative to the hollow tube 15. This support then makes it possible to separate the braid D relative to the core C of the electric cable A.

[0103] The method furthermore consists in ensuring rotation of the hollow tube 15 and / or of the part 16 relative to the electric cable A.

[0104] In fact, such rotation is ensured around an axis of rotation which is at least parallel to the axis of extension along which the hollow tube 15 extends.

[0105] Such rotation makes it possible, advantageously and as mentioned above, to press the strip of the electric cable A (or to keep this strip pressed) against the core C of this electric cable A and / or to improve the spacing of said braid D, in particular with respect to the core B of the electric cable A.

[0106] It will be observed that such rotation can be ensured, depending on the case, before translating the part 16 relative to the hollow tube 15, after having translated the part 16 relative to the hollow tube 15, at the same time as translating this part 16 relative to the hollow tube 15 or (and preferably) before, during and after such translation.

[0107] In fact, a preferred embodiment consists in ensuring only rotation of the hollow tube 15 relative to the part 16 and / or relative to the electric cable A.

[0108] The invention also relates to an installation for spacing a braid D which an electric cable A comprises.

[0109] This installation comprises, on the one hand, a pre-spacing device 1 for such a braid D and, on the other hand, a spacing system 13 for such a braid D (more particularly for a pre-spacing braid D, in particular by means of the pre-spacing device 1).

[0110] In fact, according to the invention, the pre-spacing device 1 has the characteristics described above and, on the other hand, the spacing system 13 has the characteristics described above.

[0111] Additionally, said spacing installation may comprise positioning means which are configured to position said cable A relative to the aforementioned pre-spacing device 1 (more particularly relative to the support means 3 that this pre-spacing device 1 comprises) as well as relative to the aforementioned spacing system 13 (more particularly relative to the hollow tube 15 and / or the part 16 that this spacing system 13 comprises).

[0112] It will be observed that said positioning means (which this installation comprises) can, advantageously, be constituted by the positioning means 9 (which the pre-spacing device 1 comprises and which have the characteristics described above) and / or by the positioning means 21 (which the spacing system 13 comprises and which have the characteristics described above).

[0113] Yet another feature is that the installation comprises displacement mounting means which are configured to mount the displacement positioning means, this between, on the one hand, a pre-spacing position relative to the pre-spacing device 1 in which the cable A is positioned relative to the pre-spacing device 1 for the purpose of pre-spacing the braid D of this cable A and, on the other hand, a spacing position relative to the spacing system 13 in which the cable A is positioned relative to the spacing system 13 with a view to spacing the braid D of this cable A.

[0114] Another characteristic of this installation consists in that, on the one hand, the positioning means extend along a positioning axis and are configured to position said cable A so that it extends along said positioning axis and, on the other hand, the displacement mounting means (of the positioning means) are then configured to mount the positioning means, either in translation along a translation axis perpendicular to the positioning axis, or in rotation around a rotation axis perpendicular or parallel to the positioning axis.

[0115] According to a preferred embodiment, said positioning axis is horizontal while, depending on the case, said translation axis is horizontal or vertical while said rotation axis is vertical or horizontal.

[0116] Said installation may then also comprise means for driving these positioning means in movement (more particularly in translation or in rotation). These means for driving these means in movement may be motorized and / or comprise a motor.

[0117] Finally, said installation may comprise a support which may preferably take the form of a table.

[0118] Such a support comprises, on the one hand, at least one fixed part on which are mounted (preferably attached, in particular fixedly) at least one part of the pre-spacing device 1 (more particularly the chassis 2 that this pre-spacing device 1 comprises) and at least one part of the spacing system 13 (more particularly the chassis 14 that this spacing system 13 comprises) and, on the other hand, a movable part, on which are mounted (preferably attached, in particular fixedly) the positioning means (that the pre-spacing device 1, the spacing system 13 and / or the spacing installation comprises), which is movable relative to said at least one fixed part,and more particularly which is movable in displacement relative to a part of the pre-spacing device 1 (more particularly relative to the chassis 2 which this pre-spacing device 1 comprises) as well as relative to a part of the spacing system 13 (more particularly relative to the chassis 14 which this spacing system 13 comprises).

[0119] In this regard, it will be observed that this mobile part can then be mobile relative to said at least one fixed part, this in translation along an axis, in particular horizontal or vertical, such an axis being able to be perpendicular to the positioning axis and / or at least parallel to, or even coincident with, the translation axis along which the positioning means are mounted in displacement by means of the means of moving mounting of these positioning means (as described above).

[0120] Alternatively, this movable part may also be movable relative to said at least one fixed part, this being in rotation around an axis, in particular vertical (respectively horizontal), such an axis being able to be perpendicular (respectively parallel) to the positioning axis and / or at least parallel to, or even coincident with, the rotation axis around which the positioning means are mounted in displacement by means of the means for mounting in displacement these positioning means (as described above).

[0121] The support (which comprises said installation for spacing a braid D) can then comprise or be equipped with at least part of the displacement mounting means, which have been described above, and which are configured to displacement mount the positioning means.

[0122] The invention then also relates to a method of separating a braid D from an electric cable A (which has the characteristics described above).

[0123] This spacing method consists in that, on the one hand, the braid D is pre-spread from the electric cable A in accordance with the pre-spread method described above and, on the other hand, the braid D (more particularly the pre-spread braid D, in particular in accordance with the aforementioned pre-spread method) is spread from the electric cable A in accordance with the spacing method described above.

[0124] It will be observed that the braid D is pre-spread from the electric cable A, preferably by implementing a pre-spreading device 1 (more particularly having the characteristics described above). Alternatively or (and preferably) additionally, the braid D is spread from the electric cable A, preferably by implementing a spacing system 13 (more particularly having the characteristics described above).

[0125] This method also consists, before pre-separating the braid D from the electric cable A, in positioning said electric cable A within the positioning means (9, 21) included in said spacing installation.

[0126] This method can then also consist of moving said electric cable A (in particular by moving the positioning means, more particularly by translation or by rotation of these positioning means, this as described above) so that this electric cable A (more particularly the braid D of this electric cable A) cooperates with the pre-spacing device 1, this with a view to pre-spacing the braid D of this electric cable A.

[0127] This method may also consist of the fact that, after pre-separation of said braid D, said electric cable A is moved (again, in particular by moving the positioning means, more particularly by translation or by rotation of these positioning means, this as described above) so that this electric cable A (more particularly the braid D pre-spaced from this electric cable A) cooperates with the spacing system 13, this with a view to spacing the braid D from this electric cable A.

Claims

Claims

1. A spacing system (13) for a braid (D) that comprises an electric cable (A), this spacing system (13) comprises, on the one hand, a frame (14), on the other hand, a hollow tube (15) intended to internally receive a part, that comprises the electric cable (A), and which is surrounded by said braid (D), on the other hand, a part (16), which comprises a housing (160) inside which is housed a part of the hollow tube (15), and which has a bearing face (161) intended to come to bear against said braid (D), on the other hand also, translational mounting means (17), along a translation axis, of the part (16) relative to the hollow tube (15), this between a deployed position of at least a part of the hollow tube (15) outside the housing (161) and a retracted position of at least a part of the hollow tube (15) the interior of the housing (161), characterized by the fact that, on the one hand,the hollow tube (15) is intended to internally receive the part of electric cable (A) which comprises a strip and, on the other hand, it also comprises means for rotating the hollow tube (15) around an axis of rotation, relative to the chassis (14).

2. Spacing system (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow tube (15) extends along an extension axis while the bearing face (161) of the part (16) extends perpendicularly to this extension axis.

3. A spacing system (13) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the hollow tube (15) extends along an extension axis which is at least parallel to the axis of rotation and / or at least parallel to the axis of translation.

4. Spacing system (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises positioning means (21), which extend along a positioning axis which is at least parallel to the axis of rotation and / or to the axis of translation, and which are configured to position said electric cable (A) so that it extends along said positioning axis.

5. Method for separating a braid (D) which comprises an electric cable (A), this method consists in that, on the one hand, a part of the electric cable (A) surrounded by the braid (D) is introduced inside a hollow tube (15), on the other hand, a part (16) is translated which comprises a housing (160) inside which is housed at least a part of the

6.

7. hollow tube (15), this in relation to the hollow tube (15) and to the electric cable (A), on the other hand, a support surface (161) that said part (16) comprises is ensured against the braid (D), characterized in that, on the one hand, the part of the electric cable (A) which comprises a strip is introduced inside the hollow tube (15) and, on the other hand, rotation of the hollow tube (15) is ensured in relation to the electric cable (A). Installation for spacing a braid (D) that comprises an electric cable (A), this installation comprises a pre-spacing device (1) for such a braid (D), this pre-spacing device (1) comprising, on the one hand, a frame (2), on the other hand, support means (3) which are configured to bear against the braid (D) of the electric cable (A), on the other hand, displacement mounting means (4) which are configured to mount the support means (3) in displacement relative to the frame (2), this between an inactive position and an active position of support of these support means (3) against the braid (D) of the electric cable (A) and, on the other hand also, rotation mounting means (6) which are configured to mount the support means (3) in rotation about an axis of rotation and relative to the frame (2), characterized in that it comprises,also: - a spacing system (13) of such a braid (D) which conforms to any one of claims 1 to 4;, - positioning means which are configured to position said electric cable (A) relative to the pre-spacing device (1) as well as relative to the spacing system (13); - moving mounting means which are configured to move the positioning means between, on the one hand, a pre-spacing position relative to the pre-spacing device (1) in which the electric cable (A) is positioned relative to the pre-spacing device (1) for the purpose of pre-spacing the braid (D) of this cable (A) and, on the other hand, a spacing position relative to the spacing system (13) in which the electric cable (A) is positioned relative to the spacing system (13) for the purpose of spacing the braid (D) of this electric cable (A). Spacing installation according to claim 6, characterized in that, on the one hand, the positioning means extend along a positioning axis and are configured to position said cable (A) so that it extends along said positioning axis and, on the other hand, the displacement mounting means are configured to mount the positioning means, either in translation along a translation axis perpendicular to the positioning axis, or in rotation around a rotation axis perpendicular or parallel to the positioning axis.

8. Spacing installation according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a support which comprises, on the one hand, at least one fixed part on which are mounted at least one part of the pre-spacing device (1) and at least one part of the spacing system (13) and, on the other hand, a movable part, on which are mounted the positioning means, which is movable relative to said at least one fixed part, and more particularly which is movable in displacement relative to a part of the pre-spacing device (1) as well as relative to a part of the spacing system (13).

9. Spacing installation according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the pre-spacing device (1) comprises a clamp (8) which comprises at least two jaws (80; 80') of which at least one comprises at least part of said support means (3).

10. A spacing installation according to claim 9, characterized in that the rotational mounting means (6) comprise means for rotationally mounting the clamp (8) relative to the chassis (2).

11. A spacing installation according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that said support means (3) comprise at least one caster (30; 30') which is each movable in rotation about an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation about which the support means (3) are mounted in rotation.

12. Spacer installation according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the displacement mounting means (4) comprise translation mounting means along a translation axis of the support means (3), this relative to the chassis (2) and / or relative to the rotation mounting means (6) and / or in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis around which the support means (3) are mounted in rotation.

13. A spacing installation according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that it comprises positioning means (9), which extend along a positioning axis which is at least parallel to the axis of rotation around which the support means (3) are mounted in rotation, and which are configured to position said electric cable (A) so that it extends along said positioning axis.

14. Spacer installation according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that it comprises translational mounting means (10) which are configured to mount in translation along the positioning axis and / or along the rotation axis, either the positioning means (9) relative to said support means (3), or said support means (3) relative to the positioning means (9).

15. Method for separating a braid (D) which an electric cable (A) comprises, this method consists in that, on the one hand, the braid (D) is pre-separated from the electric cable (A) in accordance with a pre-separating method which consists in that, on the one hand, the braid (D) of the electric cable (A) is pressed against by means of support means (3), and, on the other hand and while maintaining these support means (3) in support against the braid (D), at least one rotation of the support means (3) is ensured around the braid (D), this in at least one direction of rotation, characterized in that this method consists in that, on the other hand, the braid (D) is separated from the cable (A) in accordance with the separation method according to claim 5.

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