Crimping tool and method for crimping crimp sleeve

Abstract

To provide a crimping tool, in particular for a crimp applicator or a crimping machine, for crimping a crimp sleeve, in particular a crimp sleeve of an electrical crimping terminal.SOLUTION: A crimping tool 1 includes a plurality of sub-tools 10 movable against each other, where each sub-tool 10 has a mechanically effective sub-crimp surface 110 global to the sub-tool 10 for partial crimping of the crimp sleeve. At least one sub-tool 10, in particular exactly two or at least two sub-tools 10, has a local measuring location insertion device 130 in the relevant global sub-crimp surface 110, and the local measuring location insertion device 130 allows a measuring location to be incorporated into the crimp sleeve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crimping tool, in particular for a crimp applicator or crimping machine, and to a preassembled electrical cable. The present invention also relates to a method for crimping a crimp sleeve and a method for measuring crimp dimensions for quality assurance. The present invention also relates to a crimp applicator or crimping machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In the electrical field (electronics, electrical engineering, electrical science, power engineering, etc.) a large number of electrical connection means, connection devices, sockets, tabs, prongs, pins, and / or hybrid connectors, etc. are known, which are used to transmit currents, voltages, signals, and / or data over a wide range of currents, voltages, frequencies, and / or data rates. In the low, medium and high voltage and / or current ranges, and especially in the automotive field (low and high voltage ranges), such connectors must ensure short-term and / or permanent unimpaired transmission of power, signals, and data in warm, possibly hot, polluted, humid, wet and / or chemically aggressive environments. Due to the wide range of applications, a large number of dedicated connectors are known.

[0003] The electrical terminals of such connectors are often configured as so-called crimp terminals, with the associated crimp terminal being crimped onto an electrical cable, e.g. a stranded electrical cable or onto the wires of a cable. Crimping is a joining process in which the crimp terminal and the cable are firmly connected to one another, e.g. by plastic deformation of the crimp sleeve (crimping part) of the crimp terminal. This can be achieved, e.g., by drawing, flanging, kinking and / or folding. Such a connection is difficult to break and ensures a high level of electrical safety and mechanical stability.

[0004] In the industrial field, crimp connections are usually formed using crimping machines (automatic crimping machines, fully automatic crimping machines, automatic cable assembly machines, etc.). Such crimping machines can be used, for example, to process crimp terminals in the form of strip-like articles in order to ensure high productivity and high quality. In addition to other devices, the crimping machine naturally includes a crimping tool, for example a crimping applicator of the crimping machine, for forming the crimp connection between the cable and the crimp sleeve of the crimp terminal.

[0005] In order to be able to ensure a consistently high quality using the crimping tool, it is necessary to measure the crimp diameter of the crimp sleeves placed using this crimping tool. This can be done, for example, for all relevant crimp sleeves formed (especially some conductor crimp sleeves, insulation crimp sleeves), for only certain selected crimp sleeves (e.g. every 10th, 50th, 100th), or for randomly selected crimp sleeves. Such a crimping tool has, for example, at least one crimping punch and at least one crimping anvil as sub-tools for segmented radial crimping (SRC), preferably an even number, in particular identical pressing segments, etc. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the invention is to ensure and preferably increase the quality of installed crimp connections, in particular installed conductor crimp connections, where, on the one hand, the measurement of the crimp diameter of the crimp connection should be quick and easy to carry out and, on the other hand, it should be possible to set the crimp diameter of an installed first crimp sleeve relative to one another, at least within one batch, in such a way that they can be compared, as far as possible, with the crimp diameter of any second crimp sleeve of this batch. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem of the invention is solved by a crimping tool, in particular for a crimp applicator or crimping machine, for crimping crimp sleeves, in particular crimp sleeves of electrical crimp terminals, by a pre-assembled electric cable, in particular for the automotive sector, by a method for crimping crimp sleeves of electrical crimp terminals onto conductors of an electric cable, by a method for measuring crimp dimensions, in particular crimp diameters, for quality assurance purposes, and further by a crimp applicator or crimping machine for establishing at least one crimp connection between an electrical crimp terminal and an conductor, according to the independent claims.

[0008] The features of this specification are applicable regardless, in particular the positive / negative shapes of the crimping tools (sub-tools) are interchangeable with the negative / positive shapes of the crimping sleeves. Advantageous developments, further features and / or advantages of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and in the following description.

[0009] The crimping tool according to the invention comprises a number of sub-tools movable relative to one another, each of which has a mechanically effective partial crimping surface which is global with respect to the sub-tool for partial crimping of the crimping sleeve, and at least one sub-tool, in particular exactly two or at least two sub-tools, has a local measuring location insertion device on the relevant global sub-crimp surface, by means of which a measuring location can be applied to the crimping sleeve.

[0010] The crimping tool can be configured as an automatic or manual crimping tool. In the former case, the crimping machine with the crimping tool can be configured as an automatic crimping machine, a fully automatic crimping machine, an automatic cable assembly machine, etc. The crimping sleeve is generally part of the means or device to be crimped, in particular an electrical crimp terminal, i.e. a terminal that can be crimped to a cable. Naturally, the crimping sleeve can also be configured as an insulating crimping sleeve. In its uncrimped state, the crimping sleeve can be configured as a circumferentially closed or open crimping sleeve. Corresponding terms to the term "crimping sleeve" include, for example, "crimping part".

[0011] The crimping tool may have at least two sub-tools for a single crimp connection, in particular a crimping anvil and at least one crimping punch. In particular, the crimping tool may be configured at least partially as a die crimping tool. The crimping tool for a single crimp connection may also have a plurality, in particular an even number of sub-tools, arranged in the circumferential direction of the crimping tool. In this case, the sub-tools may be completely arranged in the circumferential direction, except for the necessary gaps between the sub-tools.

[0012] The crimping tool can be configured as a segmented radial crimping tool with several sub-tools, in particular with an even number of sub-tools, where all the sub-tools or all the sub-tools minus a single sub-tool are arranged in the crimping tool so as to be movable back and forth in the respective radial direction of the crimping tool (star arrangement). The crimping tool can be formed, for example, as an SRC crimping tool (SRC: Segmented Radial Crimp).

[0013] The relevant partial crimping surface can be formed in its global extent as a surface portion that is preferably a simple curved surface or a straight plane, furthermore it can be formed as a preferably straight portion of a side of the body of revolution, in particular a cylindrical side surface, and furthermore it can be formed as a substantially smooth partial crimping surface.

[0014] The measurement site insertion device can provide measurement sites on the outer surface of the crimping sleeve in the circumferential and / or axial direction of the crimping sleeve. The measurement site insertion device can be arranged as a negative or positive shape on the global partial crimping surface. Furthermore, at least two sub-tools arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the crimping tool can each have a measurement site insertion device. Preferably, the at least two measurement site insertion devices are arranged at approximately the same axial position of the crimping tool.

[0015] The measurement site insertion device can be arranged on the associated sub-tool in such a way that the measurement site that can be applied to the crimping sleeve as a result is formed as a substantially planar (rectilinear plane part) measurement surface or a substantially convex measurement site on the outer surface of the crimping sleeve. Naturally, two planar measurement surfaces or two convex measurement sites can be preferably introduced radially in the circumferential areas of the crimping sleeve on diametrically opposite sides. In any case, more than two measurement sites, for example four measurement sites, can also be introduced. For this purpose, the crimping tool has a corresponding number of measurement site insertion devices on diametrically opposite sides of the sub-tool.

[0016] Furthermore, the measurement site insertion device may be arranged on the associated sub-tool such that the measurement sites provided on the crimping sleeve can be applied between two crimping ribs that may appear directly next to each other in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve. Additionally or alternatively, the measurement sites that can be provided on the crimping sleeve may be applied to the crimping sleeve at predetermined axial and / or circumferential positions.

[0017] The measurement site insertion device may be arranged in the associated sub-tool as a groove, preferably extending in the circumferential direction with a straight or tangential groove base. The groove may extend from the associated sub-tool on one or both circumferential sides and / or may be limited by the sub-tool. In this case, it is of course arranged in the associated sub-tool as a negative shape. Furthermore, the measurement site insertion device may be arranged in the associated sub-tool as a protrusion, preferably located in the circumferential center. In this case, it is of course arranged in the associated sub-tool as a positive shape. Furthermore, the measurement site insertion device may be arranged approximately in the axial center of the associated sub-tool.

[0018] The measurement site can be integrally formed in the crimping sleeve by the measurement site insertion device. Furthermore, the measurement site can be formed from the material of the crimping sleeve by the measurement site insertion device. The crimping tool can be formed such that the crimping method according to the invention can be performed or is performed by the crimping tool.

[0019] The assembled cable according to the invention comprises an electric wire and an electric crimp terminal, the crimp terminal having a crimp sleeve, the crimp terminal being crimped onto the electric wire, in particular onto the conductor of the electric wire, by means of the crimp sleeve, the crimp sleeve having at least one local measurement site, in particular exactly two or at least two local measurement sites, for determining the crimp dimension, in particular the crimp diameter, of the crimp sleeve.

[0020] The crimp sleeve may have at least two measurement sites which are diametrically opposite each other in the radial direction of the crimp sleeve. The at least two measurement sites may each be arranged approximately in the axial center of the crimp sleeve. Also, the associated measurement sites may be applied to the crimp sleeve as positive or negative features. The measurement sites may be arranged between two axial portions of the pressing part of the crimp sleeve.

[0021] The single measurement site may be arranged on the outer surface of the crimp sleeve as a substantially planar or substantially convex measurement surface.Furthermore, the single measurement site may be arranged between two immediately adjacent crimp ribs in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve.Furthermore, the single measurement site may be arranged at a predetermined axial position of the crimp sleeve and / or at a predetermined circumferential position of the crimp sleeve.

[0022] The single measurement site may be applied to the crimp sleeve as a web extending in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve, preferably with a linear or tangential extent. In this case, the measurement site is of course applied to the crimp sleeve as a positive shape. The measurement surface of the web may be limited in the circumferential direction by two immediately adjacent crimping ribs or may almost completely bridge them. In the former case, the crimping ribs are still clearly recognizable in the area of ​​the web, while in the latter case the crimping ribs become unrecognizable as ribs in the area of ​​the web, the web almost completely filling the circumferential space between the crimping ribs. The single measurement site may also be provided as an approximately convex measurement site on the outer surface of the crimp sleeve. Furthermore, the crimp sleeve may be crimped onto the conductor using the crimping method according to the invention.

[0023] In the crimping method according to the invention, an axially extending crimping sleeve is crimped onto the conductor by means of a crimping tool, in particular a crimping applicator or crimping machine, and during crimping of the crimping sleeve onto the conductor, a pressing portion is applied to the crimping sleeve by at least one sub-tool of the crimping tool, in particular exactly two or at least two sub-tools, and a local measurement site is formed in the crimping sleeve at the pressing portion.

[0024] The measurement sites can be formed in the crimp sleeve by positive / negative shapes of the sub-tool and / or by plastic working of the material of the crimp sleeve. A positive shape is in particular a material protrusion in the global partial crimping surface of the sub-tool, and a negative shape is in particular a material recess in the global partial crimping surface of the sub-tool. The positive / negative shape in the global partial crimping surface of the sub-tool can be formed as a local measurement site insertion device, by means of which the measurement site is formed in the crimp sleeve. The measurement site insertion device can be formed as described above.

[0025] Two measuring sites may be formed on the crimp sleeve in circumferential regions located on diametrically opposite sides of the crimp sleeve with respect to the radial direction of the crimp sleeve, said measuring sites being preferably formed as planar or convex measuring surfaces. Planar measuring surfaces can here be introduced as webs (see above) in the pressing part of the crimp sleeve, such webs preferably running tangentially linearly and preferably running in the circumferential direction of the crimp sleeve. Convex measuring surfaces (see above) can be applied to the crimp sleeve as substantially convex measuring sites. Naturally, both the webs and the measuring sites are accessible from the outer surface of the crimp sleeve.

[0026] When the crimping sleeve is positioned, an axial crimping rib can be positioned on the crimping sleeve between every two axially pressed parts of the crimping sleeve. Furthermore, when the crimping sleeve is positioned, a single measurement site can be positioned between two directly adjacent crimping ribs in the circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve. Preferably, this is the only measurement site between directly adjacent crimping ribs. Furthermore, the measurement site can be positioned on the pressed part in such a way that the pressed part is divided into two axial parts of approximately equal length. This means, for example, that a web-shaped or convex measurement site, i.e. the measurement site, is positioned in the center of the pressed part.

[0027] When crimping the crimping sleeve onto the conductor, the pressing part between the two crimping ribs may have a smooth design. This naturally also applies to the measuring site. The method may be configured as a method for assembling an electric cable, the assembled cable being configured as a cable assembled according to the invention, where naturally the crimping sleeve of the electric crimping terminal is crimped onto the conductor of the cable according to the assembling method according to the invention. The method for crimping the crimping sleeve may be followed in time by the method for measuring the crimped dimensions according to the invention. In this case, the measuring method may substantially follow the crimping method immediately after it or possibly also with a large time delay and / or change of place.

[0028] In the measuring method according to the invention, the crimping dimension is measured at a crimping sleeve crimped onto a conductor by applying measuring fingers of a measuring device to the outer surface of the pressing part of the crimping sleeve, the measuring fingers being applied to local measuring sites of the pressing part, the measuring sites being formed as planar or convex measuring surfaces on the outer surface of the crimping sleeve. Preferably, two measuring fingers are applied to such local measuring sites, the measuring sites being formed on two radially opposite sides of the outer surface of the crimping sleeve. Furthermore, the measuring sites, the crimping sleeve or the crimping sleeve of the assembled cable can be configured as described above.

[0029] The invention is described in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached schematic drawings, which are not to scale. Parts, elements, components, units, components and / or patterns having identical, unique or similar configurations and / or functions are identified by the same reference signs in the description of the figures (see below), in the list of reference signs, in the claims and in the figures of the drawings. Possible alternatives, static and / or kinematic inversions, combinations, etc., not described in the description of the invention (see above), not shown in the drawings and / or not definitive, for the exemplary embodiments of the invention or its components, patterns, units, components, elements or parts, can be further guided by the list of reference signs and / or the description of the figures.

[0030] In the case of the present invention, features (parts, elements, components, units, elements, functions, variables, etc.) can be explicit, i.e. present, or latent, i.e. absent. In this specification (description (description of the invention (see above), description of the figures (see below)), list of reference signs, claims, drawings), latent features are not explicitly described as features, if no value is placed on their absence according to the present invention. That is to say, the invention as actually performed and not interpreted in a manner as in the prior art consists in omitting said features.

[0031] Features herein may not only be used in a particular manner and / or way, but also in other manners and / or ways (separate, combined, substituted, added, alone, omitted, etc.). In particular, in the description, in the list of reference signs, in the claims and / or in the drawings, it is possible to substitute, add or omit features in the claims and / or description based on the reference signs and the features assigned thereto, and vice versa. Furthermore, features in the claims may be construed and / or specified in more detail as a result.

[0032] The features of the present description may also be interpreted as optional features (in view of the prior art (where little was initially known)). That is, each feature may be considered as an optional, arbitrary or preferred feature, i.e., a feature that is not essential. Thus, it is possible to separate features from the exemplary embodiments, possibly including their periphery, and then convert said features into generalized inventive concepts. The absence of a feature in the exemplary embodiments (latent features) is appropriately optional in the context of the present invention (for a person skilled in the art). Also, in the case of feature type terms, the general terms of the feature may also be implicitly understood (possibly with further hierarchical decomposition into classes, etc.), thereby allowing the generalization of the feature, taking into account the same effects and / or equivalents.

[0033] In the drawings, schematic diagrams are presented purely by way of example. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a prior art side perspective view showing a crimp sleeve of a crimp terminal crimped onto a conductor; [Diagram 2] 1 is a prior art cross-sectional end view showing a crimp sleeve of a crimp terminal crimped onto a conductor; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an axial perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a sub-tool of a crimping tool in isolation; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing the crimp sleeve when crimped. [Diagram 5] 1 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an inventive crimp sleeve of a crimp terminal for a cable formed by the inventive crimping method; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a crimp sleeve of an assembled cable according to the present invention placed over an electrical conductor; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a crimp sleeve of an assembled cable according to the present invention placed over an electrical conductor; [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a crimp sleeve of an assembled cable according to the present invention placed over an electrical conductor; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of the prior art (Figures 1 and 2) with reference to exemplary embodiments of a crimping tool 1 (Figures 3 and 4), a preassembled cable (Figures 5 to 8), a method for crimping a crimping sleeve 50, in particular a (conductor) crimping sleeve 50 of an electrical crimp terminal (Figures 4 and 5), and a method for measuring the crimped dimension D (Figures 6 to 8). Naturally, the invention is also applicable to other crimping tools, other preassembled cables or other crimping and / or measuring methods.

[0036] The invention will be further described and illustrated in more detail as preferred exemplary embodiments, but the invention is not limited by the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but rather is of a more fundamental nature. Other variants can be derived therefrom and / or from the above (description of the invention) without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. The invention applies generally to the electrical field, i.e. for example in the case of electrical entities, it can be applied in the automotive field as well as in the non-automotive field.

[0037] 1 to 8 show only those physical parts of the subject matter of the invention that are necessary for understanding the invention. The designations connector and mating connector, terminal and mating terminal etc. are to be interpreted as synonymous, i.e. as mutually interchangeable. The description of the invention based on Figs. 1 to 8 (see above) refers in the following, inter alia, to the (bidirectional) axial direction Ax, the (multidirectional) radial direction Ra and the (bidirectional) circumferential direction Um of the crimping tool 1 or sub-tools 10 of the crimping tool 1, the crimping sleeve 50, the assembled cable etc.

[0038] 1 and 2 show a crimp sleeve 50 crimped on a conductor 70 according to the prior art, the crimp sleeve 50 being placed on the conductor 70 using eight identical sub-tools of an SRC crimping tool. To set up the axial pressing portion 510 of the crimp sleeve 50, each of the sub-tools has a partial crimping surface which is global for the sub-tool and which is formed as a straight portion of a cylindrical side (see the two left-hand sub-tools 10 and the two right-hand sub-tools 10 in FIG. 3). Such pressing portion 510 forms a relatively large circumferential portion of the crimp sleeve 50 on the conductor 70 compared to the crimping ribs 520 (see below).

[0039] Between every two adjacent sub-tools 10 in the circumferential direction Um of the SRC crimping tool, a sub-tool gap 12 must be arranged (see again FIG. 3 ). The sub-tool gap 12 allows the formation of axial crimping ribs 520 in the crimping sleeve 50 placed on the conductor 70 during crimping. Such crimping ribs 520 form a relatively small circumferential portion of the crimping sleeve 50 on the conductor 70 in comparison with the pressing portion 510.

[0040] By using eight sub-tools, four pressing sections 510 are formed, which are two diametrically opposite sides in the axial direction Ax. In these pressing sections, the crimped dimension D of the crimped sleeve 50 can be measured. Furthermore, the respective crimped dimensions D can be measured along almost the entire extent of the pressing section 510 in the axial direction Ax. Furthermore, due to the curved large partial crimping surface of the sub-tools, a convex measuring region 531 is obtained (FIG. 2). These convex formations of the pressing section 510 are necessary to ensure good crimping.

[0041] Now, some uncertainties arise regarding the measurement of the crimp dimension D: In which of the four directions (four opposing press pairs 510 / 510) should the measurement be made? At which position in the axial direction Ax of the press pairs 510 / 510 should the measurement be made? Furthermore, the measurement of the crimp dimension D requires a dedicated measuring device (tip shape) to be able to measure between the crimp ribs 520 of the two opposing press pairs 510 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] It is clear that the relatively sharp tip shape of the two measuring fingers 630 in Fig. 2 is not suitable for obtaining reproducible measurement results because the measuring portion 531 is convex. If the tip of the measuring finger 630 is too thin, the measurement position may be off-centered, and the crimp dimension D, especially the crimp diameter D, of the convex measuring portion 531 becomes inaccurate. However, according to the present invention, for example, such a tip shape or a standard tip shape can be used to measure the crimp dimension D.

[0043] Especially for SRC crimping tools for circumferentially closed crimp sleeves 50, the crimp diameter D is the most important control dimension that needs to be set correctly. The shape of the sub-tool 10 that is common in the prior art has eight pressing parts 510, which together with eight crimping ribs 520 form the crimp sleeve 50 in the circumferential direction Um. For the crimp sleeve 50 placed on the conductor 70, the distance between the opposing pressing parts 510, i.e. the crimp diameter D, should be the same in all four directions over the entire length of the pressing parts 510.

[0044] Due to tolerances of the crimping tool itself and tolerances arising when performing the crimping process, the crimp diameter D may vary in the axial direction Ax and / or circumferential direction Um of the crimp sleeve 50 depending on the position of the measurement site, i.e. where the measuring finger 630 (see Figures 6 to 8) of the measuring device is applied to the crimp sleeve 50. The measurement must also exclude the crimp ribs 520 between the pressing portions 510, which requires a measuring tip geometry that is geometrically linked to the size of the crimp sleeve 50 to reduce measurement inconsistencies.

[0045] So where is the right place to measure? In the course of the research leading to the invention, it was found that reliable results can also be obtained by reliably determining a single crimp diameter D in the middle of the axial direction Ax of the crimp sleeve 50. This means that the quality of the installed crimp sleeve 50 can be easily determined by a single simple measurement. In the prior art, in particular due to the convexity of the measurement site 531, such a reliable determination of the crimp diameter D can only be achieved with limitations (such as the tip shape of the measuring finger 630 adapted to the crimp sleeve 50 so as to ensure the correct position of the crimp sleeve 50 relative to the measuring finger 630, excluding the crimp rib 520).

[0046] According to the invention, in the crimping method according to the invention, by means of the crimping tool 1 according to the invention, the crimping sleeve 50 according to the invention is provided with at least one measurement site 530, so that the crimp dimension D, in particular the crimp diameter D, of the crimping sleeve 50 can be measured according to the invention by means of the measurement site 530 according to the invention. The crimping sleeve 50 is preferably a crimping sleeve of a crimp terminal, for example a crimping terminal of an assembled cable.

[0047] Here, in the radial direction Ra of the crimping sleeve 50, in particular exactly two or a plurality of diametrically opposed measuring sites 530 are arranged in pairs on the crimping sleeve 50, where the measuring sites 530 have the same position in the axial direction Ax of the crimping sleeve 50 relative to one another. A measuring finger 630 of a measuring device can be applied to the outer surface of the crimping sleeve 50 at a single measuring site 530, and the crimping dimension D can be measured. Naturally, as an alternative, another crimping tool can also be used, for example comprising a crimping anvil and at least one crimping punch.

[0048] The crimping tool 1 according to the invention or the SRC crimping tool 1 (see Figs. 3 and 4) is for this purpose constructed globally as described above, except that at least one sub-tool 10 has a local measurement site insertion device 130 arranged as a negative and / or positive shape on the global partial crimping surface 110. Preferably, two sub-tools 10 located opposite each other in the radial direction Ra or a pair of several such sub-tools 10 located opposite each other have such a local measurement site insertion device 130 on their global partial crimping surface 110. Such a measurement site insertion device 130 can be configured as described above.

[0049] As a negative shape, the measurement site insertion device 130 is arranged in particular as a groove 130, which is preferably located approximately in the center of the axial direction Ax of the associated sub-tool 10 (see Figs. 3 and 4). Preferably, the groove 130, which extends into the global partial crimping surface 110 of the associated sub-tool 10, has a straight or tangential groove base (with respect to the curved surface of the partial crimping surface 110). Of course, other negative shapes are also possible for the measurement site insertion device 130, such as, for example, indentations, beads, etc. A negative shape is, for example, an absence of material in the global partial crimping surface 110 or a concave deviation from the uniform surface of the global partial crimping surface 110.

[0050] As a positive shape, the measurement site insertion device 130 is arranged in particular as a protrusion 130, which is preferably located approximately in the center of the axial direction Ax of the associated sub-tool 10 (not shown). Preferably, the protrusion 130 is formed on the global partial crimping surface 110 of the associated sub-tool 10 as a part of an ellipsoid or a solid sphere. Naturally, other positive shapes are also possible for the measurement site insertion device 130, such as, for example, protrusions, beam shapes, etc. A positive shape is, for example, additional material on the global partial crimping surface 110 or a protruding deviation from the uniform surface of the global partial crimping surface 110.

[0051] A crimp sleeve 50 according to the invention (see Figs. 5 to 8), for example a crimp sleeve 50 of a terminal, has at least one local measurement site 530 in at least one of its pressing parts 510 for determining the crimp dimension D, in particular the crimp diameter D, of the crimp sleeve 50. Preferably, the crimp sleeve 50 has two measurement sites 530 diametrically opposed to each other in the radial direction Ra or pairs of such measurement sites diametrically opposed to each other in its pressing part 510. Such measurement sites 530 can be configured as described above.

[0052] According to the invention, the crimping sleeve 50 has a positive shape, preferably arranged in the axial center, as the measurement site 530, analogous to the negative shape of the measurement site insertion device 130 of the crimping tool 1 (see Figs. 5 to 7), or has a negative shape, preferably arranged in the axial center, as the measurement site 530, analogous to the positive shape of the measurement site insertion device 130 of the crimping tool 1 (see Fig. 8). In principle, such a negative shape or such a positive shape may be any shape, provided that a measurement surface of the measurement site 530 against which the measurement finger 630 can be applied is realizable.

[0053] As a single positive shape measurement site 530, this can be configured, for example, as a web 530 extending in the circumferential direction Um of the crimping sleeve 50. Preferably, the web 530 has a linear or tangential extent (relative to the curved surface of the pressing part 510 or the crimping sleeve 50 in the circumferential direction Um). Here, the web 530 can be arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs 520. In one case, the measurement surface of the web 530 can completely bridge two directly adjacent crimping ribs 520 (Figures 5 and 6), in another case, the measurement surface of the web 530 can be arranged between two directly adjacent crimping ribs 520 (Figure 7).

[0054] As a single negative shape measurement site 530, this can be formed, for example, as a substantially convex measurement site 530 in the pressing part 510 of the crimping sleeve 50 (FIG. 8). The positive or negative shape measurement site 530 can have a substantially planar or substantially convex measurement surface, which is arranged on the outer surface of the crimping sleeve 50. In this case, the single measurement surface is arranged between two immediately adjacent crimping ribs 520 or bridges the crimping ribs 520. Of course, a concave measurement surface of the measurement site 530 can also be arranged if required.

[0055] In the crimping method according to the invention, during crimping of the crimping sleeve 50, local measurement sites 530 are formed in the resulting pressed part 510 of the crimping sleeve 50. In particular, the measurement sites 530 are formed in the pressed part 510 by plastic working of the material of the crimping sleeve 50. Preferably, at least a pair of measurement sites 530 / 530 is formed in the associated pressed part 510, the measurement sites 530, 530 of the pair of measurement sites 530 / 530 being on diametrically opposite sides of the crimping sleeve 50 in relation to the radial direction Ra.

[0056] As mentioned above, in the crimping process, a single measurement site 530 is placed between two adjacent crimping ribs 520. The measurement site 530 may divide the pressing part 510 formed in two axial (Ax) parts, which may preferably have approximately the same length.

[0057] The crimped dimension D, in particular the crimped diameter D, can be measured after the crimping step. In this case, the measuring step can be performed immediately after the crimping step or later, for example at another location. In the measuring method according to the invention, the measuring finger 630 is not positioned at the pressing part 510 (see FIG. 1 ) but is applied to a local measuring site 530 of the pressing part 510. As mentioned above, the measuring site 530 can be configured as a planar or convex measuring surface. If necessary, a convex measuring surface may also be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1. Crimping tools, especially for crimping machines 10 Sub-tools, especially the pressing segments 12 Sub-tool gap 50 Crimp Sleeve 70 (Pre-assembled) Cable Conductors 110 Large area partial crimping surface of sub-tool 10 130 Local measurement site insertion device (negative shape / positive shape) 510 Pressing portion (in the axial direction Ax) of the crimping sleeve 50 520 Pressing rib (in the axial direction Ax) of the crimping sleeve 50 530 Measurement portion of crimp sleeve 50 (positive shape / negative shape) 531 Convex measurement area (conventional technology only) 630 Measuring Finger of Measuring Device D Crimping dimensions, especially crimping diameter Ax: Axial direction of the crimping tool 1, Axial direction of the sub-tool 10, Axial direction of the crimping sleeve 50, Axial direction of the assembled cable Ra: radial direction of the crimping tool 1, radial direction of the sub-tool 10, radial direction of the crimping sleeve 50, radial direction of the assembled cable Um Circumferential direction of the crimping tool 1, circumferential direction of the sub-tool 10, circumferential direction of the crimping sleeve 50, circumferential direction of the assembled cable

Claims

1. A crimping tool (1), in particular for a crimp applicator or crimping machine, for crimping crimp sleeves (50), in particular crimp sleeves (50) of electrical crimp terminals, comprising: A crimping tool (1) comprising a plurality of sub-tools (10) movable relative to one another, each sub-tool (10) having a mechanically effective partial crimping surface (110) which is global with respect to said sub-tool (10) for partial crimping of said crimping sleeve (50), A crimping tool (1), characterized in that at least one sub-tool (10), in particular exactly two or at least two sub-tools (10), has a local measurement site insertion device (130) on the associated global partial crimping surface (110), by means of which a measurement site (530) can be applied to the crimping sleeve (50).

2. Said crimping tool (1) for a single crimp connection comprises: - has at least two sub-tools (10), in particular a crimping anvil (10) and at least one crimping punch (10), - has a plurality, in particular an even number, of sub-tools (10) arranged in the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping tool (1), and / or The crimping tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured as a segmented radial crimping tool (1) by means of a plurality, in particular an even number, of sub-tools (10).

3. - the measurement site insertion device (130) allows the provision of measurement sites (530) on the outer surface of the crimping sleeve (50) in the circumferential direction (Um) and / or the axial direction (Ax) of the crimping sleeve (50); - the measurement site insertion device (130) is arranged on the global partial compression surface (110) as a negative shape (130) or a positive shape (130); and / or A crimping tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least two sub-tools (10) arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the crimping tool (1) in the radial direction (Ra) each have a measurement site insertion device (130).

4. The measurement site insertion device (130) comprises: in the associated sub-tool (10), arranged as grooves (130) extending in the circumferential direction (Um) preferably with a straight groove base, - arranged as a protrusion (130) on the associated sub-tool (10), preferably located centrally in the circumferential direction (Um); and / or A crimping tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is arranged approximately axially (Ax) centrally of the associated sub-tool (10).

5. the measurement site (530) can be integrally formed in the crimp sleeve (50) by the measurement site insertion device (130); the measurement site (530) is formable from the material of the crimp sleeve (50) by the measurement site insertion device (130); and / or The crimping tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the crimping tool (1) is configured such that the crimping method according to any one of claims 10 to 13 can be carried out by the crimping tool (1).

6. A preassembled electric cable, in particular for the automotive sector, comprising A preassembled electric cable comprising an electric wire and an electric crimp terminal, the crimp terminal having a crimp sleeve (50), the crimp terminal being crimped to the electric wire, in particular to a conductor (70) of the electric wire, by means of the crimp sleeve (50), 1. The assembled electric cable, characterized in that the crimp sleeve (50) has at least one local measurement site (530), in particular exactly two or at least two local measurement sites (530), for determining the crimp dimension (D), in particular the crimp diameter (D) of the crimp sleeve (50).

7. the crimp sleeve (50) has at least two measurement sites (530) located diametrically opposite each other in a radial direction (Ra) of the crimp sleeve (50); the at least two measurement sites (530) are each located approximately in the axial (Ax) center of the crimp sleeve (50); and / or 7. A preassembled electric cable according to claim 6, characterized in that the associated measuring sites (530) are applied to the crimp sleeve (50) as positive (530) or negative (530) shapes.

8. The single measurement site (530) is - arranged on the outer surface of the crimping sleeve (50) as a substantially planar or substantially convex measuring surface (530); - located between two immediately adjacent crimping ribs (520) in the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping sleeve (50); and / or The assembled electric cable according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it is arranged at a predetermined position in the axial direction (Ax) of the crimping sleeve (50) and / or at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping sleeve (50).

9. the single measuring site (530) is applied to the crimping sleeve (50) as a web (530) extending in the circumferential direction (Um) of the crimping sleeve (50), preferably having a linear extent; the measuring surface of said web (530) is limited in the circumferential direction (Um) by two immediately adjacent crimping ribs (520) or almost completely bridges said crimping ribs (520); a single measurement site (530) is provided on the outer surface of the crimp sleeve as a generally convex measurement site (530); and / or A pre-assembled electric cable according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the crimping sleeve (50) is crimped onto the conductor (70) by a crimping method according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

10. A method for crimping a crimp sleeve (50) of an electrical crimp terminal to a conductor (70) of an electrical cable, comprising the steps of: The crimping sleeve (50), which extends in an axial direction (Ax), is crimped onto the conductor (70) by a crimping tool (1), in particular a crimping applicator or crimping machine, A method in which, when crimping the crimping sleeve (50) onto the conductor (70), a pressing portion (510) is applied to the crimping sleeve (50) by at least one sub-tool (10) of the crimping tool (1), in particular exactly two or at least two sub-tools (10), The method according to claim 1, characterized in that at the pressing portion (510), a local measurement site (530) is formed on the crimp sleeve (50).

11. the measuring site (530) is formed in the crimping sleeve (50) by the positive / negative shape of the sub-tool (10) and by plastic working of the material of the crimping sleeve (50); the positive / negative shape of the global partial crimping surface (110) of the sub-tool (10) is configured as a local measurement site insertion device (130), and the measurement site (530) is formed in the crimping sleeve (50) by the local measurement site insertion device (130); The crimping method according to claim 10, characterized in that two measurement sites (530) are formed on the crimping sleeve (50) in circumferential regions on diametrically opposite sides of the crimping sleeve (50) with respect to the radial direction (Ra) of the crimping sleeve (50), the associated measurement sites (530) being preferably formed as planar or convex measurement surfaces (530).

12. When setting up the crimp sleeve (50), The crimping sleeve (50) has an axial (Ax) crimping rib (520) disposed between each of the two axial (Ax) pressing portions (510) of the crimping sleeve (50), a single measurement site (530) is arranged between two immediately adjacent crimping ribs (520) in the circumferential direction of said crimping sleeve (50); and / or The method of claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the measurement site (530) is arranged on the pressing portion (510) in such a way that the pressing portion (510) is divided into two axial (Ax) portions of approximately equal length.

13. When the crimping sleeve (50) is crimped onto the conductor (70), the pressing portion (510) located between the two crimping ribs (520) in each case is smoothly formed, the method is configured as a method for assembling an electric cable, the assembled cable being configured according to any one of claims 6 to 9; and / or - A crimping method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the method of crimping the crimping sleeve (50) is followed in time by a method of measuring the crimped dimension (D) according to claim 14.

14. A method for measuring crimp dimensions (D), in particular crimp diameter (D), for quality assurance purposes, comprising: A method for measuring the crimp dimension (D) of a crimp sleeve (50) crimped onto a conductor (70), the method comprising: applying a measuring finger (630) of a measuring device to an outer surface of a pressing portion (510) of the crimp sleeve (50); The method according to claim 1, wherein the measuring finger (630) is applied to a local measuring site (530) of the pressing part (510), the measuring site (530) being formed as a planar or convex measuring surface (530) on the outer surface of the crimping sleeve (50).

15. A crimp applicator or crimping machine for establishing at least one crimp connection between an electrical crimp terminal and an electrical conductor (70), comprising: The crimping applicator or the crimping machine comprises a crimping tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and / or A crimping applicator or crimping machine, characterized in that the crimping method according to any one of claims 10 to 13 and / or the measuring method according to claim 14 can be performed by the crimping applicator or crimping machine.

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