Apparatus and process for removing the shielding foil ends of shielded electrical cables

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and process for preparing the ends of shielded electrical cables that can perform the removal of the shield foil ends with high precision, thereby achieving a clean and uniform cut profile. [Solution] An apparatus (10) is described for removing an end (3a) of a shielding foil (3) of a shielded electrical cable (1), the end (1a) of the shielded electrical cable (1) having at least one shielding foil (3) covering at least one conductor (2, 20) with a coating layer (5, 50), and at least one end (3a) of the shielding foil (3) being exposed. The device (10) comprises positioning means (14, 15) for positioning the shielding foil (3) of the at least one conductor (2, 20) at at least one tensioning position, axial movement means (9a) adapted to operate a relative tensioning movement between the positioning means (14, 15) and the shielded electric cable (1) to generate tension in the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3), cutting means (8a, 8b) with cutting surfaces (81a, 81b), and radial movement means (19) configured to move the cutting means (8a, 8b) relative to the shielding foil, preferably at least along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the shielded electric cable (1), to the tensioning position and perform cutting of the shielding foil.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a process for removing the shielding foil ends of shielded electric cables.The present invention is used in the field of shielded electric cables, in particular in the field of bipolar cables. [Background technology]

[0002] Shielded electrical cables are known which comprise one or more dielectrically insulated conductors that act as an electromagnetic shield to cancel or at least limit electromagnetic interference (EMI), and which are provided with one or more shielding layers made of a conductive material.

[0003] Cables (e.g., coaxial cables) are known that have a single central conductor, typically made of copper, surrounded by a layer of electrically insulating material (dielectric), typically made of polyethylene or PTFE, separating the central core from one or more outer shielding layers.

[0004] Typically, the shielding layer comprises a shielding foil (known in the art as "foil") of conductive material, for example a thin, preferably multi-layered, aluminum-based film wrapped around a layer of electrically insulating material, and a shielding braid wrapped around this underlying foil. There is also an outer cable insulating sheath surrounding the above layers and components.

[0005] Also known are bipolar cables having two adjacent conductors each individually wrapped in a layer of electrically insulating material (dielectric), and having one or more shielding layers, typically comprising a shielding foil covering the assembly of two conductors each individually wrapped in a layer of electrically insulating material.

[0006] Such bipolar cables also have a shield braid made up of strands surrounding this shield foil made of conductive material.

[0007] As is known, shielding metal foils can be made of, for example, preferably multi-layered aluminum-based foils having different thicknesses, typically between 0.05 mm and 0.3 mm, but not limited thereto, that are placed around a dielectric covering a conductor (or generally one or more conductors) of a shielded electrical cable.

[0008] In other words, the foil that constitutes the additional shielding of the cable is usually interposed between the electrically insulating material (dielectric) and the braid.

[0009] As mentioned above, the outside of the shield braid is typically surrounded by a protective sheath made of an electrically insulating material.

[0010] The shielded electrical cable may further be provided with an electrical connector connected to the end of the electrical cable. For example, to secure a connector to the end of a coaxial or bipolar cable, the end of the electrical cable is typically secured by the following steps: removing a portion of the outer protective sheath to leave a predetermined length of the shield braid exposed at the end of the electrical cable; removing or flipping back (i.e., in the opposite direction relative to the free end or end of the cable being operated on) a portion of the exposed shield braid to shorten the exposed portion of the shield braid and obtain a final cable end portion with exposed shield foil; The exposed portion of the shielding foil must be shortened and prepared by a process that involves removing a portion of the shielding foil to obtain the final cable end with exposed dielectric.

[0011] Removal of the shielding foil is a critical operation in the process of preparing the ends of a shielded electrical cable.

[0012] In some processes relating to the prior art, such as that described in US Pat. No. 5,649,999, the removal of the shielding foil is carried out by applying an air jet to the outer surface of the end of the cable.

[0013] A shielded electrical cable is inserted into the conical support cavity and the end containing the shielding foil to be removed is inserted into a stripping cavity adjacent to and coaxial with the conical cavity in which the cable is held.

[0014] The device includes a channel (parallel to the stripping cavity) that supplies air to the stripping cavity through ducts that branch off laterally from the air supply channel to deliver air to the stripping cavity toward the end of the cable. In a second embodiment, air can be injected into the central duct of the stripping cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, this device has a cutting blade disposed between the insertion section and the peeling section for cutting the shielding foil.

[0016] In this regard, the process according to US Pat. No. 5,649,999 involves rotating the cable and the device relative to one another around the axis of the cable in order to cut the foil and separate it from the cable.

[0017] The foil removal obtained by this process can be non-uniform, i.e. the cut profile of the foil is non-uniform in the circumferential direction, since it depends on the displacement of the foil towards the blade, which can vary greatly from run to run and is therefore not very reproducible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0018] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-208322 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0019] A further drawback arising from such an apparatus is the fact that waste parts of the foil, eg scrap, can remain within the apparatus, for example in the peeling cavity or in the air ducts.

[0020] Furthermore, the operation is complicated by the need to insert the cable into the support cavity and the stripping cavity, which in fact must be inserted into the closed sections of these elements, an operation that can cause unwanted contact with the inner walls of the inserted cavity, which can deform parts of the cable, such as the shielding foil, and thus endanger the subsequent stripping operation.

[0021] Furthermore, the shape of the support and stripping cavities makes them unsuitable for use with cables having non-circular shapes, such as bipolar type cables that do not have perfectly circular sections.

[0022] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the art and to provide a process and apparatus for preparing the ends of shielded electrical cables that allows for high precision removal of the shielding foil ends, thereby achieving a clean, uniform cut profile.

[0023] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus for preparing the end of a shielded electrical cable that allows for uniform removal of the shielding foil without risk of damaging the foil and / or conductors of the shielded electrical cable.

[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus for preparing the ends of a shielded electrical cable that allows for removal of the shielding foil and in which removal of the shielding foil is simple and inexpensive.

[0025] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a process and apparatus for stripping the shielding foil of a shielded electrical cable that is versatile and can be used in conjunction with different types of shielded cables, particularly multi-pole type cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] These objects are achieved according to the invention by an apparatus for removing the ends of a shielding foil of a shielded electric cable according to independent claim 1 and a process according to independent claim 22.

[0027] Additional features / aspects of the invention are described below and / or in the dependent claims. It should be noted from the outset that what is described and / or claimed herein relating to a process may also be applied to an apparatus and vice versa.

[0028] 1. An apparatus for removing an end of a shielding foil of a shielded electrical cable, the end of the cable having at least one shielding foil covering at least one conductor provided with a covering layer of the shielded electrical cable (in other words, the shielding foil is disposed outside an insulating covering layer of the at least one conductor), and at least one end of the shielding foil is exposed, the apparatus comprising: positioning means for positioning the shielding foil at least one tensioned position; axial movement means adapted to operate a relative tensioning movement between the positioning means and the cable in an axial direction relative to the cable to tension the end of the shielding foil and reach the tensioned position; cutting means having a cutting surface; The apparatus further comprises radial movement means configured to move the cutting means relative to the foil arranged in a tensioning position to effect cutting of the foil, preferably at least along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable.

[0029] It should be noted that the expressions "tensioned position" and "tensioned edge of the shielding foil" refer to a condition or state in which the edge of the shielding foil is under tension. In other words, these expressions are intended to refer to a tensioned condition or state of the foil, in particular the condition or state that results at the edge of the foil due to the application of tension.

[0030] Advantageously, the device according to the invention allows the shielding foil to be removed uniformly and without risk of damaging the foil and / or the conductors of the shielded electric cable.

[0031] Indeed, the movement of the positioning means tensions the foil, in particular making it possible to reach a tensioned position in which the foil is in a tensioned state. In this specification, the term "tensioning movement" is also used to refer to a relative movement between the positioning means and the cable, which brings about tensioning of the ends of the shielding foil, preferably by application of a tension force.

[0032] Such tensioning locations, where the foil is under tension, are particularly suitable for carrying out cutting operations.

[0033] According to one aspect, the device comprises radial movement means configured to move the positioning means radially relative to a longitudinal axis X of the cable between a closed position in which the positioning means engages an outer surface of the shielding foil of the cable and an open position in which the cable is released from the positioning means.

[0034] According to one aspect, the ends of the shielding foil are held by positioning means at least during the tensioning movement.

[0035] Specifically, according to one aspect, the positioning means is configured to hold the cable at least during the tensioning movement and during cutting.

[0036] It should also be noted that according to one aspect of the invention, when foil removal is performed by positioning means, the shielding foil is held by the positioning means even during further movements of the foil removal.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the positioning means is displaced by a movement means by a movement selected to place the foil in tension.

[0038] According to one embodiment, this tensioning movement is between 0.2 mm and 3 mm. In other words, the desired tension of the shielding foil can be determined by a movement, or displacement, of, for example, between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, preferably measured along the axial direction (i.e., the direction X' parallel to or coincident with the axis X of the cable), and appropriately chosen depending on the thickness of the foil and its own elastic properties.

[0039] Advantageously, in accordance with the present invention, effective severing and subsequent removal of the shielding foil is simply and economically accomplished by tensioning the foil with limited tensioning movement or displacement operated by the foil positioning means, thus requiring only inexpensive and uncomplicated components.

[0040] In fact, a limited movement or displacement appropriately selected in relation to the properties of the shielding foil from its physical and morphological state, for example a movement according to the claims, is sufficient to obtain an effective tensioning of the foil, which makes it possible to achieve a subsequent clean cut, as described above.

[0041] Compared to devices of the prior art, especially those that use only an air jet to remove the foil, the device according to the invention is much more effective and precise.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the positioning means is movable to provide an additional movement greater than the tensioning movement to cause removal of the end of the shielding foil.

[0043] Advantageously, therefore, when foil removal is performed by the positioning means, the shielding foil is held by the positioning means which is displaced by the axial movement means by an additional movement greater than the tensioning movement, resulting in the end of the shielding foil being removed from the cable.

[0044] It should be noted that the axial movement means causes relative movement between the positioning means and the cable in the axial direction relative to the cable, causing tensioning of the ends of the shielding foil. Advantageously, the relative movement of the positioning means with respect to the cable can apply tension to the foil, preferably axially, resulting in effective tensioning.

[0045] It should be noted that axial movement means movement along a direction parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cable, but does not exclude movement of the positioning means in a direction oblique to the cable axis, which still allows a tensioning effect to be transmitted to the shielding foil and thus determines the tensioning of the shielding foil.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the contact surface of the positioning means with the edge of the shielding foil is configured to provide fixation and / or an increased coefficient of friction and increased local pressure, preferably the contact surface comprises surface discontinuities and / or a material with a high coefficient of friction.

[0047] For example, the discontinuities in the surface may be obtained by machining to form the discontinuities in the surface and / or by interposing a material that increases the coefficient of friction.

[0048] Advantageously, the positioning means is configured to hold the cable to be processed at least during the tensioning movement and during cutting, and when removal of the foil is performed by the positioning means, the foil is also held by the positioning means during further relative movement with respect to the cable, whereby the foil is separated from the end of the cable and is now removed.

[0049] According to one aspect, the shape of such elements, as will be better explained below, provides a locking / retaining surface for locking / retaining the cable, which is substantially complementary to the shape of the cable, thereby allowing for very precise cable retention without excessive compression of the conductors wound inside the foil.

[0050] According to one aspect, in the closed position (and therefore the position in which the foil is retained), the surface where the positioning means contacts the end of the shielding foil defines an opening that is substantially complementary to a section of the end of the cable that includes the end of the shielding foil covering at least one conductor.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the cutting surface of the cutting means has a contour that is substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil that covers both the at least one conductor and the covering layer that it comprises, and / or has a contour that is substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the covering layer of the at least one conductor.

[0052] Advantageously, according to this aspect, the shape of the cutting surface is preferably complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the foil and / or to the contour of the outer surface of the coating layer of the at least one conductor, so that the foil under tension can be torn and / or cut by cutting means with a homogeneous cutting contour without damaging the underlying conductor.

[0053] It should be noted that the term "substantially complementary" is used herein to mean that the contour of the cutting surface follows (at least partially, preferably along its entire extent and completely) the contour of the outer surface of the foil of at least one conductor and / or the outer surface of the coating layer.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the contour of the cut surface has a shape similar (in the sense of geometric similarity) to the contour of the outer surface of the foil and / or the contour of the outer surface of the coating layer of at least one conductor.

[0055] According to one embodiment, in the closed position, the cutting surface of the cutting means has a contour (or circumference) that is substantially complementary to the contour (or circumference) of the end of the cable, including the end of the shielding foil covering at least one conductor.

[0056] In particular, according to this aspect, in the closed position, the cutting surface of the cutting means has a contour (or periphery) that is substantially complementary to the contour (or periphery) of the outer surface of the shielding foil and / or the contour (periphery) of the outer surface of the coating layer of at least one conductor.

[0057] In other words, according to one aspect, in the closed position, the cutting surface of the cutting means forms a closed periphery or contour that defines an opening through which the cable is placed, and the section defined by the contour of the cutting surface of the cutting means substantially corresponds to (and preferably has a similar shape to) the section of the end of the cable (in a plane perpendicular to the cable axis) that includes the end of this exposed shielding foil covering said at least one conductor.

[0058] More particularly, according to one embodiment, the section defined by the contour of the cutting surface of the cutting means substantially corresponds to (preferably has a similar shape to) the section of the end of the cable (in a plane perpendicular to the cable axis) defined outwardly by the outer surface of the exposed shielding foil or defined outwardly by the outer surface of the coating layer of at least one conductor.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the cutting surface of the cutting means comprises at least one curved surface.

[0060] Advantageously, the presence of an at least partially curved shape of the cutting surface allows for an effective tearing and / or cutting of the foil under tension, by the cutting contour being arranged on at least one conductor of the cable and configured similarly to the shape of the outer surface of the shielding foil having an at least partially curved surface.

[0061] Advantageously, with this configuration, the device is adapted to process coaxial type cables, and the curved cutting surface is shaped to complement the contours of the outer surface of the shielding foil so as to optimally surround the shielding foil in the closed position.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the cutting surface of the cutting means comprises at least one protruding element or protruding tooth.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the cable comprises two preferably adjacent conductors, and the cutting surface of the cutting means is configured to be substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil covering the preferably adjacent conductors, each of which is provided with a covering layer, and / or to be substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the covering layer of the two conductors.

[0064] Preferably, according to one embodiment, the cutting surface of the cutting means has a contour substantially formed by the intersection of two circumferences intersecting each other.

[0065] Advantageously, according to such a configuration, the device is preferably adapted to process cables of the bipolar type, and such cutting surface, having a contour formed by the intersection of two intersecting circumferences, is formed so as to be complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil enveloping the two adjacent conductors and / or to be complementary to the outer surface of the coating layer of the two adjacent conductors, so as to optimally enclose (surround) the foil in the closed position.

[0066] However, this does not exclude application to cables with a larger number of conductors. In these possible embodiments, the cutting surface is suitably shaped to complement the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil encasing the cable conductors and / or to complement the contour of the outer surface of the coating layer of the conductors, in order to optimally enclose (enclose) the foil in the closed position.

[0067] According to one aspect, the cutting means is moved by the moving means, preferably radially relative to the cable, between a closed position in which it engages the outer surface of the shielding foil and an open position in which the cable is released from the cutting means.

[0068] Specifically, the cutting means is moved by the moving means, preferably radially relative to the cable, between a closed position in which the cutting surface surrounds the outer surface of the shielding foil covering at least one conductor with a coating layer, and an open position in which the cable is released from the cutting means.

[0069] It should be noted that in this specification the term "surrounding" is used to mean that it does not exclude the possibility that, according to a possible embodiment, at least part of the contour of the cutting surface may be located away from the surface of the foil.

[0070] According to one aspect, the apparatus comprises axial movement means adapted to manipulate relative movement between the cutting means and the cable axially relative to the cable to cause removal of the end of the shielding foil.

[0071] It should be noted that axial movement means movement along a direction parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal axis of the cable. Advantageously, the device allows shielding foil to be removed uniformly and without risk of damaging the foil and / or conductors of a shielded electrical cable.

[0072] According to this aspect, the end of the shielding foil is removed by relative movement between the cable and the cutting means operated by the axial movement means in the axial direction relative to the cable, and / or by relative movement between the cable and the positioning means operated by the axial movement means in the axial direction relative to the cable.

[0073] Advantageously, therefore, the cutting means and / or the positioning means result in the removal of the ends of the shielding foil by separate (or simultaneous and synergistic) action of the cutting means and the positioning means.

[0074] Advantageously, in the device according to the invention, thanks to the action of applying tension to the shielding foil (which is preferably made in the form of a multilayer thin film) operated by the positioning means, it is possible to effect a subsequent cutting operation operated by the cutting means, which acts on the shielding foil in a tensioned state to bring about a clean cut of the shielding foil.

[0075] Subsequent relative movement between the cutting means and the cable and / or between the positioning means and the cable removes the foil that was previously cut, so that even cables with two or more conductors can be separated from the cable in a reliable, simple and effective manner.

[0076] Removal of the shielding foil is defined as the separation of the foil portion of the cable end, and as noted above, such removal can advantageously be achieved quickly and easily by movement of the cutting means, or by further movement of the positioning means (previous movement to apply tension to the foil), or by a combination thereof.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the radial movement means are adapted to move these positioning means relative to the cable, preferably at least along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable.

[0078] According to one aspect, when removal of the foil is effected by the cutting means, the edge of the foil is held by the cutting means during the relative movement, preferably axial, between the cutting means and the cable.

[0079] It should be noted that the expression "the ends of the foil are held by the cutting means" means that, preferably during axial movement, the cutting means drags off a portion of the shielding foil, thus enabling it to be removed (separated) from the cable.

[0080] According to one aspect, the apparatus comprises at least one pressurized air source adapted to supply pressurized air towards the end, the pressurized air exerting a force on the end of the at least one shielding foil to press the end towards the cutting surface of the cutting means.

[0081] Advantageously, this device allows the foil to be completely removed by axial movement of the cutting means: in fact, if the tearing action of the foil, which can be effected by the cutting means by the action of the air flow acting on the foil, is not sufficient to effect a complete peeling of the foil, the axial movement of the cutting means relative to the cable allows the removal of the unteared end of the foil, which is opened by the pressurized air flow and which is preferably held by the cutting means.

[0082] Advantageously, in the device according to the invention, the action of the pressurized air flow supplied to the shielding foil and the relative axial movement between the cutting means and the cable makes it possible to remove the foil and separate it from the cable in a reliable, simple and effective way, even for cables with two or more conductors.

[0083] As will be explained in more detail below, in accordance with one aspect of the invention, the action of pressurized air pressing the foil against the cutting means (determining the opening in the foil and holding the foil against the cutting means) is combined with relative axial movement between the cutting means and the cable.

[0084] It should be noted that the term "combined" means that the action of the air flow and the relative axial movement may be performed sequentially (and thus may be performed at two separate times but may cooperate with each other by being performed sequentially), or they may be performed simultaneously, with the air flow acting on the foil for at least part of the axial movement, preferably the entire period.

[0085] Furthermore, the axial movement of the cutting means eliminates the drawback of the device according to Patent Document 1, in which the operation to remove the shielding foil is performed by supplying pressurized air into the cavity in which the cable is inserted, resulting in the foil being displaced towards the blade, with uncertainties in the accuracy of the cut made and problems with the reproducibility of the operation.

[0086] Furthermore, unlike the process according to Patent Document 1, which provides for a relative rotation between the cable and the stripping device and therefore has the disadvantage that it cannot be used (or in any case is ineffective) for cables having more than one central conductor (e.g. bipolar cables), according to the present invention, the relative axial movement allows for the removal of the foil in a reliable, simple and effective manner, even for bipolar or multipolar cables.

[0087] According to one aspect, the pressurized air source supplies air at a pressure between 2 bar and 80 bar, preferably higher pressures. According to a possible embodiment, the supplied air has a pressure between 30 bar and 80 bar, preferably between 40 bar and 80 bar.

[0088] According to a further aspect, the cutting means in the closed position forms a continuous wall extending around the cutting surface. Advantageously, an air flow provided by a pressurized air source can press the foil providing the opening against the continuous wall of the cutting means extending around the cutting surface.

[0089] According to one aspect, the end of the shielding foil is removed by the combined action of a pressurized air jet and relative movement operated by an axial movement means between the cutting means and the cable, and / or relative movement operated by an axial movement means between the positioning means and the cable.

[0090] Advantageously, the supply of pressurized air towards the end of the cable and the simultaneous axial movement of the cutting means relative to the cable axis cooperate to create an adhesion force between the end of the shielding foil and the cutting means, optimally pressing the foil end against the cutting surface of the cutting means, thereby enabling uniform and optimal removal of the foil end.

[0091] According to one aspect, the apparatus includes a cable locking device adapted to hold the cable in a fixed position during processing.

[0092] In particular, by holding the cable in a fixed position, displacing the positioning means away from the cable to a closed position (i.e., foil holding position), and causing tensioning of the foil, for example by applying tension to the foil itself, the cable can be effectively held in a fixed position by a locking device such as a clamp while tensioning the foil.

[0093] According to one aspect, the apparatus includes a suction device that sucks the edges from the torn and removed shielding foil.

[0094] Advantageously, such an air suction device allows the cut portions of the foil to be completely removed, thereby preventing the accumulation of chips and debris that remain attached to the ends of the cables and / or components of the apparatus, such as the cutting means and positioning means, after processing.

[0095] The present invention is also directed to a process as claimed in claim 22 for removing the end of a shielding foil of a shielded electric cable by means of an apparatus according to the invention, the end of the cable having a shielding foil covering at least one conductor provided with a coating layer (the foil is thus arranged outside the coating layer of the conductor), and at least one end of the shielding foil being exposed for processing.

[0096] This process is a) moving the positioning means of the shielding foil to at least one tensioned position by a relative tensioning movement between the positioning means and the shielded electrical cable in an axial direction relative to the shielded electrical cable to create tension in the end of the foil; b) moving the cutting means towards the shielded electrical cable, preferably radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the shielded electrical cable, around the foil until the cutting means reaches a closed position, whereby the cutting surface of the cutting means surrounds and / or engages the outer surface of the foil covering the at least one conductor, causing cutting of the foil.

[0097] Advantageously, according to one aspect, tensioning the shielding foil allows the cutting means to optimally cut the foil, thereby effectively removing it from the cable.

[0098] According to one aspect, the apparatus comprises axial movement means adapted to manipulate relative movement between the cutting means and the cable in an axial direction relative to the cable to cause removal of the ends of the shielding foil, the process comprising a further step c) of manipulating relative movement between the cutting means arranged in a closed position around the shielding foil and the cable, preferably in an axial direction relative to the cable, to cause removal of at least one end of the shielding foil, and / or a step c) of manipulating relative movement between the positioning means and the cable, preferably in an axial direction relative to the cable, to cause removal of at least one end of the shielding foil. Advantageously, as described above with reference to the apparatus, the foil can be effectively removed (and therefore separated from the cable) after cutting by separate or simultaneous operation of the cutting means or the displacement means moved relative to the cable to ensure complete peeling of the ends of the shielding foil while the foil is in a tensioned state.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one pressurized air source adapted to supply pressurized air towards the end, the pressurized air exerting a force on the end of the at least one shielding foil to pressurize it against the cutting surface of the cutting means, the process comprising step d) of directing pressurized air by the pressurized air source towards the end of the cable, the pressurized air exerting a force on the end of the shielding foil to pressurize it against the cutting surface of the cutting means to ensure adhesion of the shielding foil to the surface of the cutting means.

[0100] According to one aspect, pressurized air is supplied along an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis of the cable and impinges on the front face of the cable to cause the opening / stripping of the foil from the insulated conductor.

[0101] According to one embodiment, at least part of step c) is carried out in step d).

[0102] Advantageously, the supply of pressurized air towards the end of the cable and the simultaneous axial movement of the cutting means relative to the cable axis cooperate to create an adhesion force between the end of the shielding foil and the cutting means, optimally pressing the foil end against the cutting surface of the cutting means, thereby enabling uniform and optimal removal of the foil end.

[0103] According to one embodiment, step c) provides for moving the cutting means axially relative to the cable at least in a direction opposite to the supply direction of pressurized air supplied by the pressurized air source.

[0104] Advantageously, this action ensures complete stripping of the edges of the shielding foil.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the process includes, prior to step a), a step a') of moving a positioning means around the at least one shielding foil towards the shielded electrical cable, preferably in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable, until such positioning means reaches a closed position around the at least one shielding foil, in order to ensure centering of the at least one conductor covered with the at least one shielding foil.

[0106] According to one aspect of the invention, the positioning means are displaced by a movement means by a movement selected to put the foil under tension, according to a possible embodiment, this tensioning movement is between 0.2 mm and 3 mm.

[0107] In other words, the desired tension of the shielding foil, preferably measured in the axial direction (i.e. in a direction X' parallel to or coincident with the axis X of the cable), can be determined by a movement or displacement of, for example, 0.2 mm to 3 mm, and is appropriately selected depending on the thickness of the foil and its own elastic properties.

[0108] According to one embodiment, step a) provides for moving the positioning means, preferably axially, relative to the cable at least towards the free end of the cable.

[0109] Advantageously, such movement allows for efficient and rapid tensioning of the shielding foil.

[0110] According to one aspect, step a) provides for moving the positioning means by a movement selected to put the foil under tension. According to a possible embodiment, this tensioning movement is between 0.2 mm and 3 mm.

[0111] In other words, the desired tension of the shielding foil, preferably measured in the axial direction (i.e. in a direction X' parallel to or coincident with the axis X of the cable), can be determined by a movement or displacement of, for example, 0.2 mm to 3 mm, and is appropriately selected depending on the thickness of the foil and its own elastic properties.

[0112] According to one embodiment, after step c), the process includes the further step of moving the positioning means relative to the shielded electrical cable, preferably radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable, until the positioning means reaches an open position, whereupon the cable is released from the positioning means.

[0113] According to one aspect, the process provides the further step of moving the cutting means relative to the shielded electrical cable, preferably radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable, until the cutting means reaches an open position, in which step the cable is released from the cutting means.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the process further includes suctioning the ends removed from the shielding foil and / or applying pressurized air to remove any residue from the cable or device component.

[0115] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and without limitation with reference to the schematic diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0116] [Figure 1A] 1 is a side view of a schematic representation of the end of a bipolar cable that can be processed with the apparatus and process according to the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is a side view of a schematic representation of the end of a coaxial cable that can be processed with the apparatus and process according to the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the bipolar cable of FIG. 1A taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis thereof; [Figure 2A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a cable that can be processed with an apparatus according to the present invention, including a shield braid; [Figure 2B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a portion of a cable that can be processed with an apparatus according to the present invention, including a shield braid; [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention, during which a positioning means is moved towards the shielded electrical cable until it reaches a closed position around the shielding foil of the cable, from which point it is moved axially relative to the cable in order to apply tension to the foil; [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of the device according to the invention in a possible step of the process according to the invention, in which the cutting means are in a closed position around the shielding foil under tension; FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention at a possible stage of a process according to the invention, in which cutting and positioning means arranged in a closed position around the shielding foil are moved axially relative to the cable to cause removal of the end of the shielding foil. [Figure 7]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention at a possible stage of a process according to the invention, in which the cutting means and positioning means are moved relative to the shielded electrical cable until an open position is reached in which the cable is released from the cutting means. [Figure 7A] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention in a possible step of the process according to the invention, in which pressurized air is supplied to the end of the cable and the end of the shielding foil is pushed towards the cutting means. [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention in a possible step of a process according to the invention, in which cutting means arranged in a closed position around the shielding foil are moved axially relative to the cable to cause removal of the end of the shielding foil. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the invention, which also shows diagrammatically the means for moving the positioning means and cutting means, as well as the means for relative axial movement between the cable and the cutting means and positioning means; FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the main extension surface of the positioning means in the closed position. [Figure 9B] FIG. 10 is a detailed plan view of the main extension surface of the positioning means in the closed position. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the main forward extension surface when the cutting means is in the closed position. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the main rear extension surface when the cutting means is in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0117] 1A and 1B, a shielded electrical cable 1 typically comprises at least one center conductor 2, 20 and a shield braid 4 separated by a layer of electrically insulating material 5, 50 or dielectric 5, 50 covering the at least one conductor 2, 20. As mentioned above, an additional shielding layer consisting of a shielding foil 3, preferably a thin multi-layer film made from, for example, aluminum, is disposed between the shield braid 4 and the dielectric 5, 50.

[0118] For the sake of simplicity, reference will be made in this document only to the conductors 2, 20 of the cable, but the term also refers to the covering layer 5, 50 of electrical insulating material that the cable is provided with. In fact, the expression "a foil 3 covering the conductors 2, 20" is used to mean that the foil is arranged externally with respect to the insulating covering layer 5, 50 that at least one conductor 2, 20 of the cable 1 is provided with.

[0119] Surrounding the shield braid 4 is an outer protective sheath 6, typically made of an electrically insulating material.

[0120] In a possible embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the apparatus, generally indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 in each figure, is adapted to process a bipolar type cable 1 comprising two adjacent conductors 2, 20, each individually wrapped in a respective layer of electrically insulating material (e.g., dielectric) 5, 50, and a shielding foil 3 covering the assembly of the two conductors 2, 20, each individually wrapped in a respective layer of electrically insulating material 5, 50.

[0121] In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 includes a locking device 18 for the cable 1 adapted to hold the cable 1 in a fixed position during processing. The locking device 18 may comprise a pair of elements movable between an operative position of the cable lock, in which the cable is held between the pair of locking elements, and an inoperative position, in which the cable is released. For example, such a locking device may be configured as a clamp and may employ different actuation modes for locking / releasing the cable, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuators.

[0122] 1A and 1B, in a possible embodiment, the end 1a of the electrical cable 1 is pre-positioned by removing a portion of the protective sheath 6, typically having a predetermined length, to expose the shielding braid 4 (if any) of the end 1a of the electrical cable 1.

[0123] If the cable 1 has a shield braid 4, the cable can be prepared for subsequent removal of the foil 3 by means known in the art, for example adapted to invert the shield braid 4 and fold up the ends of the shield braid 4 to expose the ends of the underlying foil 3.

[0124] 2A and 2B, the exposed portion of the shield braid 4 is preferably locked by a locking means 13 adapted to firmly hold a portion of the shield braid 4, and folded by a reversing means for reversing the shield braid 4, the reversing means being adapted to fold the end 4a of the shield braid 4 over the locking means 13, thereby exposing the end 3a of the underlying shield foil 3. The end 1a of the shielded electrical cable 1 thus pre-positioned is then ready to undergo a step of removing the end 3a of the shield foil 3.

[0125] In fact, when the blade is turned over, at least one end 3 a of the shield foil 3 is exposed for processing and is not covered by the shield blade 4 .

[0126] For example, in a possible embodiment shown in Figure 3, the device 10 comprises positioning means 14, 15 for positioning the shielding foil 3 of at least one conductor 2, 20 in a tensioned position, and radial movement means 9 and axial movement means 9a (schematically shown in Figure 8).

[0127] The radial movement means 9 are adapted to move the positioning means 14 , 15 relative to the cable 1 , preferably at least along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1 .

[0128] The axial movement means 9a is adapted to operate a relative tensioning movement in the axial direction relative to the cable 1 between the positioning means 14, 15 and the cable 1 to achieve a tensioning movement to cause tensioning or tensioning and subsequent removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3.

[0129] The radial and axial movement means 9, 9a shown diagrammatically in Figure 8 may comprise one or more actuators of known types such as pneumatic, electric or hydraulic.

[0130] In particular, the positioning means 14, 15 are moved by the radial movement means 9, preferably radially relative to the cable 1, between a closed position shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 in which they engage the outer surface of the shielding foil 3, and an open position shown, for example, in Figures 3, 7 and 8 in which the cable 1 is released from the positioning means 14, 15.

[0131] Furthermore, the positioning means 14, 15, after being placed in a closed position around the shielding foil, are moved by the axial movement means 9a to determine a relative movement, preferably axial, with respect to the cable 1 (in particular the axis X of the cable) to achieve a tensioning movement for tensioning or tensioning and subsequent removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3.

[0132] According to a possible embodiment, the tensioning movement of the positioning means 14, 15 in the axial direction (i.e. in the direction X' parallel to or coincident with the axis X of the cable) can be between 0.2 mm and 3 mm. However, other values ​​of the tensioning movement are not excluded and can be appropriately selected in relation to the properties of the foil used in the cable to be processed, such as its thickness and its elasticity.

[0133] In particular, according to one embodiment, as can be seen for example in the configuration of FIG. 4, an axial translational movement in a direction parallel to or coincident with the axis X of the cable causes the positioning means 14, 15 to come into contact with the foil and apply a tensioning force towards the free end of the cable (towards the left as viewed in FIG. 4), thereby tensioning the foil.

[0134] For example, the positioning means 14, 15 may comprise two elements having a main longitudinal extension direction and including respective abutment or contact surfaces 14a, 15a which form a retaining and locking surface 140 in the closed position of the positioning means 14, 15.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the end 3a of the shielding foil 3 is held by the abutment or contact surfaces 14a, 15a of the positioning means 14, 15 at least during the tensioning movement of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3 and during the cutting process, i.e. at least when the cutting means is moved closer in the closed position around the shielding foil.

[0136] According to a preferred embodiment, the relative tensioning movement of the foils is brought about by movement of the positioning means 14, 15 relative to the cable 1 which remains in a fixed position, although embodiments providing for axial movement of the cable relative to the positioning means held in a fixed position are not excluded.

[0137] It should be emphasized that during the axial movement and during the subsequent cutting step when the cutting means 8a, 8b reach a closed position around the foil (see for example Figure 5), the end 3a of the foil 3 is held by the positioning means 14, 15.

[0138] In particular, the edges of the foil are held under tension by positioning means 14,15.

[0139] It should be noted that according to a possible embodiment, the contact surfaces 14a, 15a of the positioning means 14, 15 with the ends of the shielding foil are configured to ensure fixation and / or an increased coefficient of friction as well as an increased local pressure.

[0140] According to a possible embodiment, the contact surfaces 14a, 15a of the positioning means 14, 15 comprise surface discontinuities, for example a plurality of recesses and / or protrusions. Additionally or alternatively, a material that increases the coefficient of friction between the contact surfaces 14a, 15a and the foil (e.g., an insert permanently or removably bound to the contact surfaces 14a, 15a) can be interposed, or at least a portion of the contact surfaces 14a, 15a can be made of a material with a high coefficient of friction.

[0141] According to a possible embodiment, for example as shown in the attached figures, the contact surfaces 14a, 15a of the positioning means 14, 15 have a discontinuous surface comprising a plurality of adjacent recesses, preferably of longitudinal extent perpendicular to the cable axis, thus forming a sawtooth surface pattern, which allows a good hold of the foil, in particular during tensioning, preferably via the contact surfaces 14a, 15a of the positioning means, whereby tensioning of the foil is applied.

[0142] As mentioned above, the cutting means 8a, 8b act on the foil under tension to achieve a clean and precise cut.

[0143] In one embodiment, the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a have a non-linear profile, including a profile with a recessed curved or linear profile, or a combination thereof.

[0144] When the positioning means 14, 15 are in the closed position, the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a, which preferably have a complementary shape, face each other to form a locking surface 140 against which the cable 1 is held.

[0145] For example, according to a possible embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, when the positioning means are moved radially relative to the cable 1 towards the closed position, the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a can slide at least partially relative to each other along a direction substantially parallel to the main longitudinal extension direction of the positioning means 14, 15 and radially relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1.

[0146] As described above, the locking surface 140 formed by the opposing abutment surfaces 14a, 15a defines a section (opening) that is substantially complementary to a section of the end 1a of the cable 1 that includes the end 3a of the shielding foil 3 covering at least one conductor 2, 20.

[0147] For example, in the case of a coaxial cable 1, the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a may have curved portions and the locking surface 140 may be formed as a substantially circular surface.

[0148] In an embodiment in which the cable 1 to be processed is a bipolar cable comprising two adjacent conductors 2, 20, the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a have at least one curved section (or a combination of curved sections), and the locking surface 140 formed by the two opposing abutment surfaces 14a, 15a is configured substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil 3 covering the adjacent conductors 2, 20, preferably having a substantially circular contour, preferably the contour of the locking surface is formed by the intersection of two circles intersecting each other, or by a substantially rectangular contour (as can be seen for example in the embodiments of the accompanying figures, in particular Figures 9A and 9B).

[0149] According to a possible embodiment, for example as can be seen in Figures 9A and 9B, when the cable 1 is a bipolar cable, the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a have at least one straight section (or a combination of straight sections), and the locking surface 140 formed by the two opposing abutment surfaces 14a, 15a is configured to be substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil 3 covering the adjacent conductors 2, 20, and preferably has a substantially rectangular contour. It should be noted that embodiments in which the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a of the positioning means 14 include a combination of straight and curved sections are not excluded.

[0150] In embodiments in which the processed cable 1 includes two or more conductors, the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a have at least one curved portion (or a combination of curved portions), and the locking surface 140 formed by the two opposing abutment surfaces 14a, 15a is configured to be substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil 3 covering the conductors.

[0151] It should be noted that in general, the abutment surfaces 14a, 15a of the positioning means are selected and configured such that when placed in a closed position around the shielding foil, at least one tensioning position of the shielding foil can be reached by a tensioning movement (i.e. relative movement of the positioning means with respect to the cable), and in particular such that a tensioning action can be applied to the shielding foil to cause tensioning.

[0152] For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 10A-10B, an apparatus 10 for preparing an end 1a of a shielded electrical cable 1 from which an end 3a of a shielding foil 3a has been removed preferably comprises cutting means 8a, 8b with cutting surfaces 81a, 81b configured to be substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil 3 covering at least one conductor 2, 20 and / or to be substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the coating layer 5, 50 of at least one conductor 2, 20.

[0153] It should be clear that the term "cutting means" as used herein means an element (or blade) having a cutting edge or cutting surface, see for example the parts indicated by reference numerals 81a and 81b in Figures 10A and 10B, which indicate cutting surfaces or edges.

[0154] Radial movement means 19 are also provided, which are configured to move the cutting means 8a, 8b relative to the cable 1, preferably at least along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1 (e.g. as shown in the accompanying figures), as shown schematically in e.g. Fig. 8.

[0155] The radial movement means 19 of the cutting means 8a, 8b, shown diagrammatically in Figure 8, may comprise one or more actuators of known type, for example pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, etc.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment, the device 10 further comprises axial movement means 7 adapted to manipulate relative movement between the cutting means 8a, 8b and the cable 1 in an axial direction relative to the cable 1 to cause removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3.

[0157] It should be noted that the radial and axial movement means 9 and 9a of the positioning means 14, 15 and the radial and axial movement means 19 and 7 of the cutting means 8a, 8b can be separate and independent from each other, or according to the invention they can also be similar. In other words, there can be a single movement means that determines the radial and axial movements of the cutting means 8a, 8b and the positioning means 14, 15.

[0158] In particular, according to a possible embodiment (for example as shown in the accompanying figures), the cutting means 8a, 8b are moved by radial movement means 19, preferably radially relative to the cable 1, between a closed position shown in Figures 5 and 6, in which the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b engage the outer surface of the shielding foil 3, and an open position shown in Figures 3 and 7, in which the cable 1 is released from the cutting means 8a, 8b.

[0159] In the closed position, the cutting surfaces 81 a, 81 b of the cutting means 8 a, 8 b have a contour that is substantially complementary to the contour of the end 1 a of the cable 1, including the end 3 a of the shielding foil 3 covering at least one conductor 2, 20. The section defined by the contours of the cutting surfaces 81 a, 81 b of the cutting means 8 a, 8 b substantially corresponds to the section (in a plane perpendicular to the cable axis X) of the end 1 a of the cable 1, including the end 3 a of this exposed shielding foil 3 covering said at least one conductor. As mentioned above, embodiments are not excluded in which the section defined by the contours of the cutting surfaces 81 a, 81 b of the cutting means 8 a, 8 b substantially corresponds to the section (in a plane perpendicular to the cable axis X) of the end 1 a of the cable 1, which is externally defined by the outer surface of the coating layer 5, 50 of at least one conductor 2, 20 of the cable 1.

[0160] For example, in the case of the coaxial cable 1, the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b include at least one curved surface. Embodiments in which the cutting surfaces include at least one straight surface or a combination of straight and curved surfaces are not excluded.

[0161] According to a possible embodiment in which the cable 1 to be processed is a bipolar type cable comprising two adjacent conductors 2, 20, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 10A and 10B, the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b of the cutting elements 8a, 8b are configured to be substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the covers 5, 50 of the two adjacent conductors 2, 20, and preferably have a contour formed by the intersection of two circumferences intersecting each other, as shown, for example, in Figures 10A and 10B.

[0162] In a possible embodiment, the cutting means 8a, 8b comprise two substantially planar elements (or blades) having two respective cutting surfaces 81a, 81b formed on respective mating surfaces 82a, 82b.

[0163] In one embodiment, the mating surfaces 82a, 82b have straight portions and are adapted to abut one another in the closed position.

[0164] Referring to Figures 3, 10A and 10B, the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b are formed on these mating surfaces 82a, 82b and have curved cutting contours, so that in a front view of the cutting elements 8a, 8b (see, for example, Figures 10A and 10B), the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b appear as curved depressions formed along the straight portions of the mating surfaces 82a, 82b.

[0165] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1C, the cable comprises two adjacent conductors 2, 20, and the cut surfaces 81a, 81b have a contour formed by the intersection of two circumferences that intersect with each other.

[0166] It should be noted that, according to a possible embodiment, as can be seen for example in Figures 10A, 10B, the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b have at least one protruding element 83a, 83b or protruding tooth, for example made at the intersection of the two circumferences forming the cutting surface, which protruding element 83a, 83b is intended to engage with the foil 3 when the cutting means is in the closed position and to be inserted into the space under the foil 3 between two adjacent conductors 2, 20.

[0167] For example, as shown in Figures 5, 6, 10A, and 10B, in the closed position, the cutting elements 8a, 8b fit together along their respective mating surfaces 82a, 82b, thereby forming a continuous wall extending around the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b. For example, the continuous wall can be seen in the front view of Figure 10A, where the front of the cutting means 8a, 8b is shown. The rear surface of the cutting means 8a, 8b, as seen in Figure 10B, for example, can have a lowered surface in the area around the cutting surface to accommodate the portion of the cable 1 with the largest possible section, including the everted outer sheath and braid (if any). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the end 3a of the shielding foil 3 is removed by the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15, thus by the separate (or simultaneous) action of the cutting means and the positioning means. More specifically, according to one aspect of the present invention, the end 3a of the shielding foil 3 is removed by an axial movement means 7 between the cutting means 8a, 8b and the cable 1, preferably adapted to move axially relative to the cable, and / or by a movement means 9a between the positioning means 14, 15 and the cable 1, preferably adapted to move axially relative to the cable.

[0168] In the following, with reference to the drawings, the removal of the foil by moving both the cutting means and the positioning means will be described, but as mentioned above, this embodiment should not be understood as limiting and it is also possible to remove the foil using either the cutting means or the positioning means. What is described below with reference to the positioning means and the cutting means also applies to embodiments in which the foil removal is performed using only the positioning means or only the cutting means, and not their simultaneous action.

[0169] The device 10 according to the present invention comprises axial movement means 7 adapted to operate relative movement between the cutting means 8a, 8b and the cable 1, preferably axially relative to the cable 1, in order to cause removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3.

[0170] As shown diagrammatically in Figure 8, the axial movement means 7 for generating the relative movement between the cable 1 and the cutting means 8a, 8b may comprise one or more actuators of known type, for example pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, etc.

[0171] It should be noted that the movement means 7 determining the relative movement between the cable and the cutting means can be independent and therefore separate from the radial and axial movement means 9, 9a of the positioning means 14 and 15 and the radial movement means 19 of the cutting means 8a, 8b. However, possible embodiments are not excluded in which there is a single movement means which causes a preferably axial movement of the cutting means and / or positioning means 14, 15 relative to the cable and likewise causes an opening / closing movement of the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or positioning means 14, 15.

[0172] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 6, the relative movement is provided by movement of the cutting means 8a, 8b relative to the cable 1 which remains in a fixed position, although embodiments providing for axial movement of the cable relative to the cutting means 8a, 8b held in a fixed position are not excluded.

[0173] It should be emphasized that according to a possible embodiment, for example as shown in FIG. 6, during the axial movement the end 3a of the foil 3 is held not only by the positioning means 14, 15 but also by the cutting means 8a, 8b.

[0174] In fact, the movement means 9a of the positioning means 14, 15, previously used to operate the relative tensioning movement between the positioning means 14, 15 and the cable 1, are further actuated to operate an additional relative movement with respect to the cable in order to remove the foil.

[0175] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 6, the relative movement is provided by movement of the positioning means 14, 15 relative to the cable 1 which remains in a fixed position, although embodiments providing for axial movement of the cable relative to the positioning means 14, 15 held in a fixed position are not excluded.

[0176] Indeed, according to a possible embodiment, after the foil has been tensioned and cut, the positioning means 14, 15 remain in their closed position around the shielding foil and are further moved by axial movement means 9a which determine a relative movement, preferably axial, relative to the cable 1 (in particular relative to the cable axis X), resulting in the removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3.

[0177] Indeed, according to a possible embodiment, the shielding foil 3 is held and then pulled out by the walls formed by the cutting means 8a, 8b as a result of the movement, and is also held and pulled out by the contact surfaces 14a, 15a of the positioning means 14, 15 which remain in the closed position.

[0178] By moving the cutting means 8a, 8b and the positioning means 14, 15 axially relative to the cable 1, the end 3a of the foil 3 held by the cutting means 8a, 8b and the positioning means 14, 15 can be removed.

[0179] Further radial and / or axial movements of the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or positioning means 14, 15 can be repeated to complete the removal of the end 3a of the foil 3, if necessary.

[0180] It should be noted that although the axial movements described are movements of the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15 away from the cable, i.e. towards the free end of the cable, it is also possible for the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15 to provide at least one axial movement in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the opposite end of the cable on which the operation is being performed.

[0181] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises at least one pressurized air source 11 adapted to emit pressurized air onto the edges 3a of the shielding foil 3, such that the pressurized air exerts a force on the edges 3a of the foil, pressing the edges 3a towards the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b of the cutting means 8a, 8b.

[0182] In one embodiment, during relative movement between the cutting means 8a, 8b and the cable 1 in the axial direction relative to the cable 1, the end 3a is held by the cutting means 8a, 8b and pressed against the cutting means 8a, 8b by pressurized air.

[0183] In particular, the pressurized air source 11 preferably comprises a nozzle connected, for example, to a pressurized air line, compressor or tank, and is adapted to deliver pressurized air to the end 1 a of the cable 1, so that the pressurized air exerts a force on the end 3 a of the at least one shielding foil 3, pressing the end 3 a against the cutting surfaces 81 a, 81 b of the cutting means 8 a, 8 b and causing the end 3 a to be held against the cutting means 8 a, 8 b. As mentioned above, the action of the air can further partially tear the shielding foil.

[0184] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the closed position, the pressurized air pressurizes the end 3a of the shielding foil 3 toward the cutting means 8a, 8b so that the end 3a contacts the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b.

[0185] The pressurized air is preferably supplied as an air jet at a pressure of between 2 and 80 bar, the higher the pressure the better. According to a possible embodiment, the pressure of the supplied air is between 30 and 80 bar, preferably between 40 and 80 bar.

[0186] Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, pressurized air is supplied from nozzle 11 along an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis X of cable 1, impinging on the front surface of cable 1 and penetrating between one or more conductors 2, 20 and foil 3, forcing end 3a of foil 3 against the cutting surfaces of cutting elements 8a, 8b, thereby ensuring adhesion of end 3a and possibly causing tearing.

[0187] As mentioned above, the direction of the airflow generated by one or more ducts of the nozzle 11 is not limited to a single axial direction parallel to or corresponding to the longitudinal X-axis of the cable, but can include directions at an angle to the cable axis, preferably converging relative to the cable axis.

[0188] It should also be noted that during the axial movement the ends 3a of the foil 3 are held by cutting means 8a, 8b.

[0189] Indeed, as a result of this movement, the shielding foil 3 is held by the walls formed by the cutting means 8a, 8b and is then pulled out.

[0190] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the pressurized air supplied by the source 11 not only opens the foil 3 but also tends to keep it pressed against the walls formed by the cutting means 8a, 8b, ensuring retention of the foil 3 against these cutting means 8a, 8b during the axial translational movement of these cutting means 8a, 8b operated by the axial movement means 7, thereby allowing final separation of the foil 3.

[0191] In one such embodiment, axial movement of the cutting means 8a, 8b relative to the cable 1 allows the removal of the ends 3a of the foil 3 which are held open by the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the air jet.

[0192] Further radial and / or axial movements of the cutting means 8a, 8b can be repeated as required to complete the removal of the end 3a of the foil 3.

[0193] It should be noted that although the axial movements described are movements of the cutting means 8a, 8b in the direction away from the cable, i.e. towards the free end of the cable, it is also possible to provide for axial movement of at least one of the cutting means 8a, 8b in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the opposite end of the cable subjected to operation.

[0194] Furthermore, according to this embodiment comprising a pressurized air source 11, the end 3a of the shielding foil 3 is removed by the combined action of a pressurized air jet and a relative movement between the cutting means 8a, 8b and the cable 1 operated by the movement means 7 in the axial direction relative to the cable 1, and / or a relative movement between the positioning means 14, 15 and the cable 1 operated by the axial movement means 9a in the axial direction relative to the cable 1.

[0195] In one embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus 10 comprises a suction device 17 for sucking the edge 3 a that has been torn off and removed from the shielding foil 3 .

[0196] In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises a control logic unit configured to command and control components of the apparatus such as radial movement means 9, 19 for moving the positioning means 14, 15 and the cutting means 8a, 8b, respectively, preferably radially relative to the cable 1, in particular between an open position and a closed position, and axial movement means 7, 9a for moving the cutting means 8a, 8b and the positioning means 14, 15, respectively, preferably axially relative to the cable 1.

[0197] The following describes in detail the main steps of operation of the device 10 according to the invention for preparing an end 1a of a shielded electrical cable 1 using the device 10 according to the invention. The outer surface of the end 1a has a shielding foil 3 covering at least one conductor 2, 20 of the cable 1, leaving at least one end 3a of the shielding foil 3 exposed.

[0198] In a possible embodiment in which the outer surface of the end 1a of the cable 1 has a shield braid 4 arranged around a shield foil 3, this process may include a preliminary step as shown in Figures 2A and 2B and known per se in the art, in which the end 4a of the shield braid 4 is folded back onto itself by a reversing means of the shield braid 4 so as to expose the end 3a of the underlying shield foil 3 for processing.

[0199] Specifically, the blade is folded back on itself, i.e., its free end is flipped 180°.

[0200] In a known manner, a locking means 13 adapted to hold the shielding blade 4 can be applied, and the end 4a of the shielding blade 4 is folded back onto itself by a reversing means of the shielding blade 4 onto this locking means 13, exposing the end 3a of the underlying shielding foil 3 for processing.

[0201] For example, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, the process according to the invention comprises a step a) of moving the shielding foil positioning means 14, 15 to at least one tensioning position by relative tensioning movement between the positioning means and the cable.

[0202] It should be noted that in this step a), the positioning means 14, 15 are moved by the above-mentioned axial movement means 9a, which are adapted to operate a relative tensioning movement between the positioning means 14, 15 and the cable 1 in the axial direction with respect to the cable 1, to achieve a tensioning movement in order to cause tensioning or tensioning and subsequent removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3. According to one embodiment, this step is preceded by a step a'), in which the positioning means 14, 15 are moved radially with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1 towards the shielded electrical cable 1 until a closed position of the positioning means 14, 15 around the at least one shielding foil 3 is reached.

[0203] It should be noted that in this step a'), the positioning means 14, 15 are moved by the radial movement means 9 described above, which are configured to move the positioning means 14, 15 radially along the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1 between a closed position in which they engage the outer surface of the shielding foil 3 of the cable 1, and an open position in which the cable 1 is released from the positioning means 14, 15.

[0204] According to a possible embodiment, step a) of tensioning the foil provides for operating a relative movement between the positioning means 14, 15 arranged in a closed position around the shielding foil 3 and the cable 1 in an axial direction relative to the cable 1 in order to determine when the tensioned position of the foil has been reached.

[0205] In particular, step a) provides for moving positioning means 14, 15 axially relative to said cable 1, at least towards the free end of the cable, so as to determine the tensioning of the shielding foil, in particular by applying tension to the foil itself by means of axial movement means 9a, which are preferably displaced axially relative to the cable.

[0206] The movement described is preferably a movement of the positioning means 14, 15 away from the cable, i.e. towards the free end of the cable.

[0207] For example, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5 , the method comprises a further step b) of moving the cutting means 8a, 8b towards the shielded electrical cable 1, preferably in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1, around the shielding foil 3 tensioned by the positioning means until the cutting means 8a, 8b reach a closed position, whereby the cutting surfaces 81a, 81b surround and / or engage the outer surface of the foil 3 covering the at least one conductor 2, 20 to effect cutting of the foil 3.

[0208] It should be noted that in this step b), the cutting means 8a, 8b are moved relative to the foil placed in the tensioning position by the above-mentioned radial movement means 19 configured to move the cutting means 8a, 8b in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1, thereby cutting the foil.

[0209] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises a step c) of operating a relative movement between the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15 arranged in a closed position around the shielding foil 3 and the cable 1, preferably in an axial direction relative to the cable 1, as shown diagrammatically in Figure 6, to cause removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3.

[0210] It should be noted that in this step c), the positioning means 14, 15 are moved by the above-mentioned axial movement means 9a, which are adapted to manipulate a relative movement between the positioning means 14, 15 and the cable 1 in an axial direction relative to the cable 1, causing the removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3, and that the movement of the cutting means 8a, 8b is manipulated by the above-mentioned axial movement means 7, which are adapted to manipulate a relative movement between the cutting means 8a, 8b and said cable 1 in an axial direction relative to the cable 1, causing the removal of the end 3a of the shielding foil 3.

[0211] In particular, step c) provides for moving the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15 axially relative to the cable 1, at least towards the free end of the cable.

[0212] The axial movements described are movements of the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15 away from the cable, i.e. towards the free end of the cable, but it is also possible for the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15 to provide at least one axial movement in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the centre of the cable 1.

[0213] It should be noted that according to one embodiment, in step c) the positioning means 14, 15 are also held in a closed position around the cable, and therefore this step also simultaneously involves moving the positioning means (simultaneously with the cutting means 8a, 8b) relative to the cable 1, preferably axially, at least towards the free end of the cable.

[0214] The axial movements described are movements of the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15 away from the cable, i.e. towards the free end of the cable, but it is also possible for the cutting means 8a, 8b and / or the positioning means 14, 15 to provide at least one axial movement in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the centre of the cable 1.

[0215] In one embodiment, as shown schematically in Figure 7, the process provides the further step of moving the cutting means 8a, 8b radially relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1 relative to the shielded electrical cable 1 until an open position of the cutting means is reached in which the cable 1 is released from the cutting means 8a, 8b.

[0216] In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises at least one pressurized air source 11 adapted to supply pressurized air toward the end 1 a, the pressurized air exerting a force on the end 3 a of the shielding foil 3 and pressing the end 3 a against the cutting surfaces 81 a, 81 b of the cutting means 8 a, 8 b, and the method further includes step (d) of sending pressurized air by the pressurized air source 11 toward the end 1 a of the cable 1, and the pressurized air exerting a force on the end 3 a of the shielding foil 3 and pressing it against the cutting surfaces 81 a, 81 b of the cutting means 8 a, 8 b and partially tearing it, as exemplarily shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0217] Preferably, pressurized air is supplied through nozzles 11 along an axial direction defined by the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1 (as mentioned above, different directions of air flow are not excluded) and impinges on the front face of the cable 1, passing between one or more conductors 2, 20 and the foil 3, thereby pressing the end 3a of the foil 3 against the cutting surfaces of the cutting elements 8a, 8b, thereby causing its retention and possibly tearing.

[0218] In one embodiment, in order to cause axial relative movement between the cutting means 8a, 8b arranged in a closed position around the shielding foil 3 and the cable 1 to remove the end 3a of the shielding foil 3, at least part of the above-mentioned step (c) schematically shown in Figure 8 is carried out during step (d), i.e., the axial movement of the cutting means 8a, 8b to the closed position around the cable 1 is carried out at least partially, preferably for the entire period, while pressurized air is supplied from the nozzle 11 toward the front of the cable 1.

[0219] In particular, step (c) provides for moving the cutting means 8 a , 8 b axially relative to the cable 1 at least in a direction opposite to the supply direction of the pressurized air supplied by the pressurized air source 11 .

[0220] The axial movements described are movements of the cutting means 8a, 8b away from the cable, i.e. towards the free end of the cable, but it is also possible to provide axial movements of at least one of the cutting means 8a, 8b in the opposite direction, i.e. towards the centre of the cable 1.

[0221] At the end of step (c), the process may include the further step of moving the positioning means 14, 15 relative to the shielded electrical cable 1 in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1 until an open position is reached in which the cable 1 is released from the positioning means 14, 15, as shown, for example, schematically in FIG. 7 .

[0222] In one embodiment, the process provides the further step of moving the cutting means 8a, 8b relative to the shielded electrical cable 1 in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 1 until a cutting means release position is reached in which the cable 1 is released from the cutting means 8a, 8b, as shown schematically in FIG.

[0223] The process then includes the additional step of suctioning the end 3a that has been removed from the shielding foil, as shown for example in FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0224] 1 Shielded Electrical Cable 1a end 2, 20 conductor 3 Shielding foil 3a end 4 Shield Blade 4a end 5, 50 Electrical insulating materials, dielectrics, coating layers 6 outer protective sheath 7 Axial movement means 8a, 8b Cutting means, cutting element 9 Radial displacement means 9a Axial movement means 10 equipment 11 Pressurized air source, nozzle 13 Locking means 14, 15 Positioning means 14a, 15a Contact surface, contact surface 17 Suction Devices 18 Locking Device 19 Radial displacement means 81a, 81b Cutting surface 82a, 82b matching plane 83a, 83b protruding elements 140 Locking Surface

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus (10) for removing an end (3a) of a shielding foil (3) of a shielded electrical cable (1), the end (1a) of the shielded electrical cable (1) having at least one shielding foil (3) covering at least one conductor (2, 20) with a coating layer (5, 50), and at least one end (3a) of the shielding foil (3) being exposed; positioning means (14, 15) for positioning said shielding foil (3) of said at least one conductor (2, 20) in at least one tensioning position; - axial movement means (9a) adapted to operate a relative tensioning movement in the axial direction with respect to the shielded electric cable (1) between the positioning means (14, 15) and the shielded electric cable (1) in order to create tension in the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3); cutting means (8a, 8b) with cutting surfaces (81a, 81b), The device (10) further comprises radial movement means (19) configured to move the cutting means (8a, 8b) relative to the shielding foil (3) arranged in a tensioning position to perform cutting of the shielding foil (3), preferably at least along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the shielded electrical cable (1).

2. 2. The device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising radial movement means (9) configured to move the positioning means (14, 15) relative to the shielded electric cable (1), preferably at least along a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the shielded electric cable (1), between a closed position in which the positioning means (14, 15) engages with an outer surface of the shielding foil (3) of the shielded electric cable (1) and an open position in which the shielded electric cable (1) is released from the positioning means (14, 15).

3. 3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that in the closed position, the contact surfaces (14a, 15a) of the positioning means (14, 15) with the end (3a) of the shielding foil define an opening (140) that is substantially complementary to a section of the end (1a) of the shielded electrical cable (1) that includes the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3) covering the at least one conductor (2, 20).

4. 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the axial movement means (9a) generates a relative axial movement between the positioning means (14, 15) and the shielded electric cable (1), preferably with respect to the shielded electric cable (1), in order to cause tensioning or tensioning and subsequent removal of the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3).

5. 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the positioning means (14, 15) are displaced by the axial movement means (9a) by a tensioning movement, preferably between 0.2 mm and 3 mm, in order to generate tension in the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3).

6. 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the positioning means (14, 15) are displaced by the axial movement means (9a) by a further movement greater than the tensioning movement in order to cause removal of the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3).

7. 4. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the contact surfaces (14a, 15a) of the positioning means (14, 15) with the ends (3a) of the shielding foil are configured to provide fixation and / or an increased coefficient of friction, preferably the contact surfaces (14a, 15a) with the ends (3a) comprise surface discontinuities and / or materials with a high coefficient of friction.

8. 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cutting surfaces (81a, 81b) of the cutting means (8a, 8b) have a contour that is substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil (3) and / or the contour of the outer surface of the coating layer (5, 50) of the at least one conductor (2, 20).

9. 4. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cutting surfaces (81a, 81b) of the cutting means (8a, 8b) comprise at least one curved surface.

10. 4. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cutting surface (81a, 81b) of the cutting means (8a, 8b) comprises at least one protruding element or protruding tooth (83a, 83b).

11. 4. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shielded electric cable (1) comprises at least two preferably adjacent conductors (2, 20), each conductor comprising a covering layer (5, 50), and the cutting surfaces (81a, 81b) of the cutting means (8a, 8b) are configured to be substantially complementary to the contour of the outer surface of the shielding foil (3) covering the two conductors and / or to the contour of the outer surface of the covering layer (5, 50) of the two conductors (2, 20).

12. 12. The device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the cutting surfaces (81a, 81b) of the cutting means (8a, 8b) have a contour substantially formed by the intersection of two mutually intersecting circumferences.

13. 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cutting means (8a, 8b) are moved by the radial movement means (19), preferably radially relative to the shielded electric cable (1), between a closed position in which the cutting surfaces (81a, 81b) engage the outer surface of the shielding foil (3) and an open position in which the shielded electric cable (1) is released from the cutting means (8a, 8b).

14. 4. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises axial movement means (7) adapted to operate relative movement between the cutting means (8a, 8b) and the shielded electric cable (1), preferably axially with respect to the shielded electric cable (1).

15. 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3) is removed by the cutting means (8a, 8b) and / or the positioning means (14, 15).

16. 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the end (3 a) of the shielding foil (3) is held by the positioning means (14, 15) at least during the tensioning movement of the end (3 a) of the shielding foil (3) and during the cutting process.

17. 4. The device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pressurized air source (11) adapted to supply pressurized air to the end (1 a), the pressurized air exerting a force on the end (3 a) of the at least one shielding foil (3) to pressurize the end (3 a) towards the cutting surface (81 a, 81 b) of the cutting means (8 a, 8 b).

18. 18. Apparatus (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that said pressurized air source (11) supplies air at a pressure between 2 bar and 80 bar, preferably between 30 bar and 80 bar, more preferably between 40 bar and 80 bar.

19. 18. The device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that during relative movement between the cutting means (8a, 8b) and the shielded electric cable (1) in the axial direction relative to the shielded electric cable (1), the end (3a) is held by the cutting means (8a, 8b) and pressed against the cutting means (8a, 8b) by pressurized air.

20. 18. The device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3) is removed by the combined action of a pressurized air jet and a relative movement between the cutting means (8a, 8b) and the shielded electric cable (1) in the axial direction relative to the shielded electric cable (1) operated by an axial movement means (7) and / or a relative movement between the positioning means (14, 15) and the shielded electric cable (1) in the axial direction relative to the shielded electric cable (1) operated by the axial movement means (9a).

21. 4. Apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the closed position the cutting means (8a, 8b) form a continuous wall extending around the cutting surface (81a, 81b).

22. 10. A process for removing the end (3 a) of the shielding foil (3) of the shielded electrical cable (1) using the device (10) of claim 1, the end (1 a) having the shielding foil (3) covering the at least one conductor (2, 20) with a coating layer (5, 50), the at least one end (3 a) of the shielding foil (3) being exposed, the process comprising: a) moving the positioning means (14, 15) of the shielding foil (3) of the at least one conductor (2, 20) to at least one tensioned position by a tensioning movement between the positioning means (14, 15) and the shielded electric cable (1) in an axial direction relative to the shielded electric cable (1) to generate tension in the end (3 a) of the shielding foil; and b) moving the cutting means (8a, 8b) towards the shielded electric cable (1), preferably in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the shielded electric cable (1), around the shielding foil (3) in a tensioned position until the cutting means (8a, 8b) reaches a closed position, whereby the cutting surfaces (81a, 81b) surround and / or engage the outer surface of the shielding foil (3) covering the at least one conductor (2, 20), thereby cutting the shielding foil.

23. 23. The process according to claim 22, wherein the device (10) comprises axial movement means (7) adapted to manipulate relative axial movement between the cutting means (8a, 8b) and the shielded electric cable (1) with respect to the shielded electric cable (1) to cause removal of the end (3a) of the shielding foil (3), and the process comprises step c) of manipulating relative axial movement between the cutting means (8a, 8b) arranged in a closed position around the shielding foil (3) and the shielded electric cable (1), preferably with respect to the shielded electric cable (1), to cause removal of the end (3a) of the at least one shielding foil (3), and / or a step of manipulating relative movement between the positioning means (14, 15) and the shielded electric cable (1), preferably with respect to the shielded electric cable (1), to cause removal of the end (3a) of the at least one shielding foil (3).

24. 24. The process according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the device (10) comprises at least one pressurized air source (11) adapted to supply pressurized air towards the end (1 a) of the at least one shielding foil (3) such that the pressurized air applies a force to the end (3 a) of the at least one shielding foil (3) to pressurize the end (1 a) against the cutting surface (81 a, 81 b) of the cutting means (8 a, 8 b), and the process comprises step d) of supplying pressurized air by the pressurized air source (11) towards the end (1 a) of the shielded electric cable (1), wherein the pressurized air applies a force to the end (3 a) of the shielding foil (3) to pressurize the end against the cutting surface (81 a, 81 b) of the cutting means (8 a, 8 b), thereby ensuring that the shielding foil (3) adheres to the surface of the cutting means (8 a, 8 b).

25. 25. The process of claim 24, wherein at least a portion of step c) occurs during step d).

26. 25. The process according to claim 24, characterized in that step c) provides for the cutting means (8a, 8b) to move axially relative to the shielded electrical cable (1) at least in a direction opposite to the supply direction of pressurized air supplied by the pressurized air source (11).

27. 24. The process according to claim 23, characterized in that step c) provides a movement of the cutting means (8a, 8b) and / or the positioning means (14, 15), preferably axially relative to the shielded electric cable (1), at least towards the free end of the shielded electric cable.

28. 24. The process according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, prior to step a), it comprises a step a′) of moving the positioning means (14, 15) towards the shielded electric cable (1), preferably in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis (X) of the shielded electric cable (1), until the positioning means (14, 15) reaches a closed position around the at least one shielding foil (3) in order to hold the shielding foil.

29. Process according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that step a) provides a movement of preferably 0.2 mm to 3 mm to the positioning means (14, 15) by tensioning movement of the shielding foil.

Images