How to remove cable foil

Abstract

In particular, to allow for the simple, safe and rapid removal of the to-be-removed sections (6a) of the cable foil (6) of end sections (1b) of cables (1) having different diameters, in which the cable jacket (7) does not have to be removed in the area to be processed, the present invention provides: - providing an end section (1b) of a cable (1) having a cable axis (2), the cable (1) comprising a cable jacket (7), at least one electrically conductive conductor structure (3, 4) and a cable foil (6) made of plastic applied to one of the conductor structures (3, 4); - creating a damaged area (S) by inductively heating a conductor structure (3, 4) provided with at least a cable foil (6), whereby the cable foil (6) provided on the heated conductor structure (3, 4) is at least partially thermally damaged in the damaged area (S); - moving the cable foil (6) relative to one of the conductor structures (3, 4), the relative movement causing a crack to form in the damaged area (S), the crack separating the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed from the section (6b) of the cable foil (6) remaining in the cable (1). (Fig. 1b, Fig. 1c)

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for removing a section of a cable foil from an end section of a cable, the cable comprising a cable jacket, at least one electrically conductive conductor structure and a cable foil made of plastic provided on one of the conductor structures, as well as to a processing device for carrying out the method.

[0002] In that case, the term conductive conductor structure or conductor structure is to be understood in the context of the present application as a structure, especially of a metal, that is suitable for conducting electric current and in which circulating or eddy currents can be induced by an electromagnetic field. Correspondingly, the term conductor structure includes not only inner conductors, such as, for example, solid or stranded conductors, but also outer conductor structures, such as, for example, conductor braids or conductive foils, especially metal foils. [Background technology]

[0003] Usually, cables, especially when they have an inner conductor as the inner conductor structure and one or more outer conductor structures, have one or more further insulating layers, the outer insulating layer being called the cable jacket. Between one of the conductor structures and the insulating layer located thereon, a cable foil made of plastic, used for mechanical protection, electromagnetic shielding or moisture protection, can be arranged. In particular, in cables with an inner conductor and a braided shield as the outer conductor structure, a cable foil can be arranged between the braided shield and the cable jacket to allow the cable jacket to be pulled out, since without the cable foil the cable jacket could get caught on the braided shield located below it.

[0004] In order to expose the conductor structure located underneath the cable foil and, for example, to make it possible to contact the conductor structure, special measures are necessary since, due to the small thickness of the cable foil compared to the cable jacket, the inner conductor or further insulating layers, a mere cut may damage the underlying conductor structure, in particular the braided shield and / or the insulating layers located especially underneath the conductor structure.

[0005] In this context, the term end section of a cable is understood as a region of the cable extending from one end of the cable along the cable axis at least over the area in which the conductor structure is or will be exposed for contact. It is also referred to as the contact section of the cable or the section that has been or is to be stripped. Usually, the end section also includes a section adjacent to the stripped section of the cable, in which the cable jacket is intact, in particular in this section having a length of 1 cm to 25 cm, particularly preferably 5 cm to 15 cm. In that case, the section of the cable foil to be removed starts in particular at the cable end of the end section and usually extends over a part of the end section of the cable.

[0006] EP 3 444 911 A1 discloses a method of removing the cable foil, in which first the section of the cable foil to be processed is exposed, and then the area of ​​the planned crack location of this exposed section is treated thermally, abductively or chemically. For thermal treatment, reference is made to a heated mould or hot wire, which can partially or completely melt the cable foil.

[0007] The disadvantage of the prior art is that in order to remove the section of the cable foil to be removed, the cable jacket must be partially removed, while the proposed method requires complicated equipment that requires rotation of the cable for uniform heating or a heatable mould specially adapted to the cable to be treated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 3444911 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to propose a method and a processing device which allows simple, safe and rapid removal of the sections of the cable foil to be removed of end sections of cables having different diameters. Another object is to allow partial removal of the cable foil without the need to expose the cable foil before processing.

[0010] The above issues are: - providing an end section of a cable, the cable comprising a cable jacket, at least one electrically conductive conductor structure and a cable foil made of plastic applied to one of the conductor structures; - creating a defined damage area by inductively heating a conductor structure provided with at least a cable foil, whereby the cable foil provided on the heated conductor structure is at least partially thermally damaged in the damage area; - moving the cable foil relative to one of the conductor structures, in particular the inner conductor, whereby a crack is formed in the damaged area by the relative movement, the crack separating the section of the cable foil to be removed from the section of the cable foil remaining in the cable.

[0011] The removal of the section of the cable foil to be removed from the cable can take place either directly by the relative movement, for example if the relative movement is already a pulling-off movement, or after the relative movement, in particular by pulling-off.

[0012] The solution according to the invention is characterized in that the precise damaging of the cable foil in the defined damage area is not carried out by direct application of heat, but rather the conductor structure located below the cable foil with respect to the cable axis is heated inductively, and therefore without contact. By inductive heat input, it is possible to generate heat directly in the area required for pre-damaging the cable foil. In that case, other areas of the cable, in particular the cable jacket, are not heated, or at least not significantly. Furthermore, the heat input is carried out completely without contact, so that it is not necessary to remove the cable jacket in the damage area before the heat treatment. Likewise, the non-contact heating leads to no mechanical damage of the underlying layer or layers when removing the cable foil. However, it goes without saying that induction heating can also be applied to the already exposed cable foil.

[0013] Another advantage of the method according to the invention is that by means of induction heating the cable foil can be heated simply in a precisely defined damage area, which extends over the cross section of the cable, in particular over the entire circumference, without the need for further manipulation of the cable, in other words, complete thermal damage of the cable foil is possible by means of induction heating, which can heat the conductor structure substantially uniformly in a defined area.

[0014] It should be mentioned that in that case, depending on the specific electrical resistivity of the conductor structure, the induction parameters such as heat power and holding time can be selected accordingly in order to set the penetration depth and temperature. Other parameters that can be used to influence the induction parameters are the frequency and amplitude of the alternating current through the inductor and the geometric form of the inductor. The damage area can then be particularly precisely defined by setting the area in which the highest temperature is reached.

[0015] The precise thermal damage to the cable foil in the damaged area determines the position of the cable that will split when pulled out, if the cable foil and / or possibly the underlying conductor structure is to be removed as well. By pulling out the cable foil, a relative movement of the cable foil can be effected relative to one of the conductor structures, in particular relative to the conductor structure to be exposed. When pulling out, the cable foil is moved in the direction of the cable axis, i.e. in the direction of the end face of the end section, also called the cable end, either directly or with the interposition of other layers. However, it is also conceivable that the relative movement is a twisting or bending movement, in which a crack is formed. In a separate step, the section to be removed, which is defined by the crack, can be removed from the cable, in particular by pulling out. In that case, it is not necessary that the steps of induction heating and relative movement are performed directly one after the other in the same space, since they can also be performed spatially separately in different processing spaces, for example induction heating in a processing space of an induction unit and relative movement in a separate processing space of a stripping device.

[0016] The term "suffer thermal damage" is understood as both partial melting, fusion or plasticization of the cable foil and burning, combusting, embrittling or degradation of the cable foil, the type of thermal damage substantially depending on the material of the cable foil and the duration and level of heat introduction. If the cable foil melts, partially melts, embrittles or solidifies again after induction heat treatment in the damaged area, cracks form in the cable foil during relative movement or withdrawal. If the cable foil burns or burns away due to heating, cracks are already present before withdrawal and are simply enlarged by the withdrawal.

[0017] For example, it is conceivable that a conductor structure formed as an inner conductor is heated by induction heating in order to at least partially melt the cable foil provided on the inner conductor in the damaged area so that the cable foil can be removed from the inner conductor.

[0018] Likewise, it goes without saying that induction heating of the conductor structure provided with the cable foil can also be carried out if the cable comprises two or more conductor structures. In that case, the conductor structure not provided with the cable foil can also be induction heated. However, the small thickness of the cable foil leads to a defined damage in the area of ​​the cable foil, while the other layers are usually not significantly affected. Furthermore, by suitable selection of the induction parameters, heating of the conductor structure not provided with the cable foil can be reduced and the skin effect, especially at high frequencies, can be exploited.

[0019] The cable has a cable axis which is an axis of symmetry with respect to the cross section of the cable, in which case it goes without saying that the cable axis stands in the normal direction on the corresponding cross section of the cable respectively and may correspondingly extend in a curved manner when the cable is bent. Usually, the end sections of the cable are not bent, so that the cable axis extends in a straight line at the end sections.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one conductor structure is composed of an inner conductor and at least one outer conductor structure, and the cable foil is applied to one of the outer conductor structures. If several outer conductor structures are provided, the cable foil is preferably applied to the outermost conductor structure relative to the cable axis. However, it is also conceivable that the cable foil is applied to the outer conductor structure located further inwards or to the inner conductor. It is also conceivable that the cable foil is applied to several of the conductor structures. In all the above cases, it is advantageous for the processing to be carried out from the outside to the inside, the different processing sections usually being offset in stages. In that case, it goes without saying that if there is only one outer conductor structure, the cable foil is applied to this outer conductor structure.

[0021] In this case, it can be envisaged that the conductor structure, on which the cable foil is not provided, can also be heated by induction heating, so that even if two outer conductor structures are arranged directly one above the other, a cumulative effect can possibly be achieved. For example, at least one outer conductor structure can include a metal braid, for example a braided shield, and / or a metal foil, in particular it can consist of a braided shield and / or a metal foil. For example, it is conceivable that the cable foil is provided on the metal braid, in particular the braided shield, or wraps around the braided shield and is inductively heated by the braided shield, so that the cable foil is at least partially thermally damaged.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention provides that the outer conductor structure provided with the cable foil is formed as a metal foil. Due to the relatively small thickness of the metal foil, it can be heated particularly efficiently by setting the penetration depth of the induction heating accordingly. In particular, the metal foil is an aluminum-containing foil or an aluminum foil. Due to the small thickness of the metal foil and therefore the normally low tensile or shear resistance, and due to the fact that the cable foil is thermally damaged in the damaged area, and therefore the cable foil also has a less increasing effect on the tensile and shear resistance in the damaged area, cracks in the cable foil during the relative movement also lead to crack formation or damage of the metal foil in the damaged area.

[0023] The combination of metal foil and cable foil is often used in coaxial cables that also have a braided shield for electromagnetic shielding as an outer conductor structure. Therefore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, it can be envisaged that at least one outer conductor structure comprises a braided shield and a metal foil, the metal foil being placed directly on the braided shield. The cable foil is also provided directly on the metal foil. In this application, although induction heating can provide a cumulative heating effect of the braided shield and the metal foil, the achievable heating of the outer conductor structure is usually related to the possible penetration depth, so that the metal foil heats up more strongly than the braided shield due to its smaller thickness.

[0024] In particular, it is preferred if the metal foil and the cable foil are formed as a composite foil, particularly for use in coaxial cables.

[0025] In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the outer conductor structure formed as a metal foil is structurally weakened in the damaged area by induction heating. If the outer conductor structure provided with the cable foil is formed as a metal foil, it is advantageous if the metal foil is pulled out together with the cable foil. Correspondingly, the extension of the damaged area from the cable foil to the metal foil by the structural weakening of the metal foil also leads to the formation of a defined crack in the metal foil in the damaged area during pulling out, so that the metal foil and the cable foil can be pulled out together without leaving any residues in the underlying layers that may prevent contact.

[0026] If the induction heating is performed by means of an induction coil, at least the corresponding conductor structure can be inductively heated in a particularly simple manner, by means of which an alternating electromagnetic field is generated, and during the induction heating, at least the damaged area of ​​the cable is placed in the induction coil. In particular, by generating an alternating electromagnetic field in a water-cooled induction coil, the frequency and the amplitude of the alternating current flowing through the induction coil can be considered as parameters relevant for induction heating. By using an induction coil, complete damage to the cable foil can also be ensured in a particularly simple manner, since during heating, at least one area of ​​the end section of the cable is placed in the induction coil, and the corresponding conductor structure is heated accordingly and uniformly over the entire circumference.

[0027] Furthermore, by using an induction coil into which the cable to be processed is at least partially inserted, induction heating can be used for various different cable diameters or cable types, as long as the required distance, which can be formed, for example, as an air gap or filled by a non-conductive material, is maintained between the inner diameter of the induction coil and the outer diameter of the accommodated cable section. For this, all that is required is usually to adapt the parameters of the generated alternating electromagnetic field, in particular by adjusting the amplitude and frequency of the excitation current, or the penetration depth, the hold time and / or the heat output.

[0028] Needless to say, induction heating can also be applied to already exposed cable foils, but it would be advantageous if the heat treatment could be carried out without the need to remove the cable jacket in the damaged area. Correspondingly, in another preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cable foil is covered by the cable jacket in the damaged area during the induction heating of the at least one conductor structure. In other words, the cable jacket is not damaged in the damaged area or in the section of the cable inserted in the induction coil, but the cable foil is heated inside the cable. This is solely due to the induction heating of the conductor structure located under the cable foil, since in induction heating the required heating is not performed from the outside, but directly where the heat is required. In other words, the conductor structure provided with the cable foil is induction heated through the cable jacket in order to create the damaged area.

[0029] In order to allow processing of the cable jacket and thus removal of the cable jacket from the section to be stripped of the cable end section within the scope of the present invention, a further embodiment is characterized in that the method comprises: - a cutting step extending at least partially around the cable jacket at a position arranged closer to the cable end, i.e. the end face of the end section, of the cable end section than the damaged area. By cutting into the cable at a position between the cable end, i.e. the end face of the cable end section and the damaged area, it is achieved that the point at which the cable foil or possibly the cable foil and the metal foil will tear during withdrawal is located under the cable jacket. Depending on the cutting position, it is possible to prevent possible residues of the cable foil from remaining on the conductor structure exposed after removing the section of the cable jacket to be removed, since the residue will be covered by the remaining section of the cable jacket.

[0030] The positioning of the cutouts described above is particularly advantageous when the cable comprises a three-conductor structure, i.e. the inner conductor, the braided shield and the metal foil, in which the braided shield, the metal foil and the cable foil are arranged directly one above the other in this order, i.e. it is a coaxial cable, since in some cases residues of the metal foil and / or the cable foil remaining on the braided shield can prevent the braided shield from contacting. Due to the selection of the cutout position, such residues of the cable foil and / or the metal foil on the braided shield are covered by the cable jacket, so that the section of the braided shield that is actually exposed is free of residues.

[0031] Just as it is conceivable that the incision is made during or after the induction heating treatment of the damaged area, it is also conceivable that the incision is made already before the induction heating of the damaged area, and possibly even before the end section is inserted into the processing space of the processing device. For example, the incision can be made in a separate processing space of the cutting device. Finally, the removal of the cable jacket is not a necessary step for carrying out the heat treatment.

[0032] As mentioned above, it is advantageous for the distance between the position of the incision and the cable end to be smaller than the distance between the damaged area and the cable end, but it is of course also conceivable that the damaged area is located closer to the cable end than the incision, or as close as possible, so that in some cases a section of the cable foil is exposed after pulling out of the cable jacket.

[0033] Due to the normally high adhesion of the cable foil in the cable jacket, it can be particularly simply removed by pulling it off together with the cable jacket located immediately above it from the end section of the cable. That is to say, when the cable jacket is preferably cut as described above, it can be moved by corresponding means relative to one of the conductor structures, in particular relative to the inner conductor, so that the cable foil located thereunder or the cable foil located thereunder and / or the metal foil located thereunder tears in the damaged area and can be pulled off together with the cable jacket. The relative movement can again be a bending movement, a rotational movement and / or a pulling movement, i.e. a movement of the end section towards the cable end in the direction of the cable axis. Removing the section of the cable jacket to be removed and the section of the cable foil to be removed together is carried out by pulling off the section of the cable jacket to be removed. Therefore, another embodiment of the invention provides that the cable jacket is divided into a section of the cable jacket to be removed and a section of the cable jacket remaining by an incision that extends at least partially around the circumference, in particular that extends completely around the circumference, and that the section of the cable jacket to be removed is moved in the direction of the cable axis, by which movement the section of the cable foil to be removed, which is at least partially attached to the cable jacket, is pulled out.

[0034] In principle, it is conceivable that the above-mentioned method steps are carried out successively in different processing spaces, but it is particularly advantageous if the corresponding steps are carried out in the processing space of a common processing device, which is described in more detail below. - induction heating of the conductor structure provided with at least the cable foil, a cutting step extending at least partially around the cable jacket; In the processing space of the processing device, the section of the cable jacket to be removed and the section of the cable foil to be removed are removed together, in particular by pulling, in a particular specified sequence.

[0035] It has proven to be particularly advantageous that the cable foil is heated to a temperature in the preferred temperature range, which can be adjusted by the temperature of the inductively heated conductor structure located underneath. In another embodiment, therefore, it is provided that at least one conductor structure is inductively heated to a temperature of 80° C. or more, preferably 100° C. or more, particularly preferably 200° C. or more, in particular 300° C. or more. The temperature can be measured, for example, by means of a pyrometer. The temperature of the inductively heated conductor structure and the duration of the inductive heating, for example less than 30 seconds, in particular less than 20 seconds, preferably less than 10 seconds, can be adjusted depending on the material properties of the cable foil, for example the thickness and / or the type of plastic, in order to achieve heat damage.

[0036] The challenges mentioned at the beginning are a processing space for accommodating an end section of a cable to be processed, the cable comprising a cable jacket and at least one electrically conductive conductor structure and a cable foil made of plastic applied to one of the conductor structures; an induction coil arranged in the processing space, the induction coil being designed to inductively heat at least the conductor structure of a section of a cable which is inserted in the induction coil during the processing process and on which a cable foil is provided, so that the cable foil provided on the heated conductor structure is at least partially thermally damaged in the damaged area; The problem is also solved by a processing device for carrying out the method according to the invention, comprising means for extracting the section to be removed, which is defined by the damaged area of ​​the cable foil.

[0037] In addition to the advantages mentioned at the beginning of inductively heating at least one conductor structure to create a damaged area in the cable foil or, as the case may be, in the cable foil and the metal foil located thereunder, the combination of inductive heat treatment of the cable in a processing device with drawing allows a reduction in the number of necessary operating steps and an efficient removal of the cable foil. For the processing step, all that is required is then to insert the section of the cable to be processed into the induction coil. However, it is also conceivable that the section of the cable foil to be removed is only partially and not completely drawn off by the provided means.

[0038] The means for pulling out the section of the cable foil to be removed can be, for example, a gripping element and / or a movement element capable of translating, for example, which can directly grip the cable foil and slide and / or rotate it relative to the layer located below the cable foil, for example relative to the inner conductor or the braided shield. It is then conceivable that the means for pulling out can successively carry out several movements, for example a rotating or bending movement, for creating a crack in the damaged area of ​​the cable foil, followed by a linear pulling movement for removing the section of the cable foil to be removed, possibly together with the section of the cable jacket to be removed. It is also conceivable that the means for pulling out is formed as a correspondingly formed cable foil removal device.

[0039] However, as will be explained in more detail below, it is not necessary that the means for extracting the cable foil directly contact the cable foil, and the means for extracting the cable foil can be formed, for example, by a cutting unit which makes an incision in the cable jacket and which can perform a relative movement in the direction of the cable axis after the incision.

[0040] In other words, the means for pulling out the cable foil may be a device which is configured in such a way that at least the section of the cable foil to be removed, in particular together with the section of the cable jacket to be removed, can be moved relative to the conductor structure, in particular relative to the metal braid or the inner conductor, whereby a crack is formed in the cable foil at least in the damaged area.

[0041] In this case, the means for drawing off the cable foil sections does not necessarily have to be arranged in the processing space in which the induction coil is also arranged, particularly if the processing device is designed as a plant with several sub-devices, but it is also conceivable for the means for drawing off the cable foil sections to be arranged in another processing space of the processing device, in particular of a stripping device of the plant, for example.

[0042] Basically, as long as a cutting unit is provided or an incision is already made in the cable jacket prior to insertion into the processing device, not only cable end sections in which the cable jacket has already been removed to expose the cable foil, but also cable end sections with an intact cable jacket can be processed in such a device.

[0043] It should also be mentioned that induction coils that are set up to inductively heat a conductor structure, whereby the cable foil applied on the heated conductor structure is at least partially thermally damaged in the damage area, are also suitable for heating and thermally damaging non-metallic intermediate layers that are applied on the conductor structure to be heated, and that do not consist of plastic. For example, such non-metallic intermediate layers can be textile structures, in particular made of cloth, such as cotton, or paper, impregnated with resin. Such non-metallic intermediate layers are usually designed to prevent the outer conductor structure, which is usually formed as a metal foil underneath, from tearing. Correspondingly designed induction coils can also be suitable for thermally damaging adhesive layers that are applied on the conductor structure to be heated.

[0044] In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one clamping unit for fixing the end section of the cable during the processing is arranged in the processing space. The at least one clamping unit in particular comprises at least one clamping element, in particular made of plastic, in order to enable positioning in the vicinity of the induction coil. The clamping unit allows the end section of the cable to be efficiently fixed without the cable moving relative to the processing space, in order to enable not only induction heat treatment but also a relative movement of the cable foil relative to the conductor structure, in particular relative to the inner conductor.

[0045] In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the processing device further comprises a cutting unit for making an at least partially circumferential cut in the cable jacket. Since the cable jacket does not have to be exposed in the damaged area in order to carry out the induction heating of the at least one conductor structure, the cut and possibly the subsequent removal of the cable jacket can be carried out directly in the processing device, especially if the means for drawing off comprises a cutting unit. However, it is also conceivable that the processing device comprises a cutting device with a separate processing space, in particular if the processing device is formed as a plant with several sub-devices, in which the cutting unit is arranged.

[0046] The cutting unit can have, for example, at least one cutting element, in particular at least two, exactly two or more than two cutting elements, which during the cutting movement penetrate radially into the cable jacket and create an incision that extends at least partially, in particular completely around the circumference.

[0047] A preferred embodiment of the processing device according to the invention provides for the cutting unit to be arranged in the processing space, which has a through-opening for the cable and for the induction coil to be arranged between the cutting unit and the through-opening. In particular, the cutting unit is arranged between the means for drawing and the induction coil. By correspondingly arranging the cutting unit in the processing space, in which the induction coil is also arranged, it is achieved that a partially circumferential cut is produced in the cable jacket at a position that is arranged closer to the cable end of the cable than the damaged area created by the induction heating of the corresponding conductor structure. Since the end section of the cable is usually only a small part of the cable's total length, the processing space is usually provided with a through-opening for the cable, through which the section of the cable to be processed can be inserted into the processing space or the section of the cable that is not to be processed can be withdrawn from the processing space through the through-opening. In other words, in order to determine the position of the cut in the cable jacket relative to the damaged area of ​​the end section of the cable to be processed in the processing device, where the cable foil or the cable foil and the metal foil will tear when drawn out, an induction coil that creates the damaged area is arranged between the cutting unit and the through-opening.

[0048] In order to allow simple removal of the section of the cable foil to be removed without the need to have to remove the cable jacket in the damaged area before the induction heating of the conductor structure, while allowing particularly simple handling, in another embodiment of the invention it is provided that means are formed for pulling out the section of the cable jacket to be removed, in order to contact the section of the cable jacket to be removed, which is defined by an incision, and subsequently remove the section of the cable jacket to be removed by a pulling movement, in particular together with the section of the cable foil to be removed, which is attached to the cable jacket. In that case, the incision can be made in the cable jacket by means of the above-mentioned cutting unit, or the incision can already be provided in the end section of the inserted cable.

[0049] The means for removing the end section of the cable foil can also be formed as gripping or sliding elements, but these have to come into contact with and grip the thicker cable jacket, and not the thin cable foil. By gripping and a relative movement, for example sliding, pulling, turning or bending, of the section of the cable jacket to be removed relative to one of the conductor structures, in particular relative to the inner conductor, the cable foil lying underneath and at least partially adhering to the cable jacket is also tensioned, so that the cable foil is torn in the damaged area and can then be pulled out. A pulling-out movement, which includes a movement of the section of the cable jacket to be removed in the direction of the cable end, can be used to simultaneously create a crack as well, or can only be performed after a crack has been created by a previous relative movement. If the conductor to be inductively heated is a metal foil, a crack can also be formed in the metal foil, so that the metal foil and the cable foil together with the section of the cable jacket to be removed can be pulled out of the underlying layers of the cable, in particular the braided shield, so that the layers, in particular the braided shield, are exposed.

[0050] In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the means for pulling off the section of the cable foil to be removed and / or the cutting unit are arranged in the processing space. By arranging several components of the processing device in the processing space in which the induction coil is arranged, a particularly compact format is possible, which allows the execution of several method steps in one processing space. It is therefore particularly preferred that not only the induction coil but also the cutting unit and the means for pulling off the cable foil are arranged in a common processing space.

[0051] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the following examples. The drawings are illustrative and represent the concept of the present invention, but are in no way intended to limit the concept of the present invention or to represent it completely. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a first embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a first embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 1c] FIG. 1c shows a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a first embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a shows a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a second embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a second embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2c shows a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a second embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a third embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a third embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 3c] FIG. 3c is a schematic diagram of the steps of the method according to the invention based on a third embodiment of an end section of a cable. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an end section of a cable in a processing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a view of the end section of the cable in the processing device after induction heating. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view of the end section of the cable after it has been cut. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of the end section of the cable in the processing device during drawing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Figures 1a to 1c show the chronological steps of the method according to the invention by way of example of a first embodiment of a cable 1. In the first embodiment, the cable 1 comprises a conductor structure 3 formed as an inner conductor 4 and an outer cable jacket 7, between which a cable foil 6 made of plastic is arranged. The cable foil 6 is applied on the conductor structure 3 formed as the inner conductor 4. The cable 1 further comprises a cable axis 2, which is the axis of symmetry of the cable configuration.

[0054] In this case, an end section 1b of cable 1 is shown in which a to-be-removed section 6a of cable foil 6 is to be removed from the inner conductor 4 in order to expose a section of the inner conductor 4. End section 1b of cable 1 is partially placed in an induction coil 12 in order to be able to carry out an induction heat treatment as described below.

[0055] In this embodiment, in the end section 1b, the cable jacket 7 already has a cut 9 at the start of the method, as shown in FIG. 1a, which divides the cable jacket 7 into a section 7a to be removed (see FIG. 1b) and a remaining section 7b.

[0056] Figure 1b shows the end section 1b during or immediately after induction heat treatment by an induction coil 12. The inner conductor 4, i.e. the conductor structure 3 with the cable foil 6, is inductively heated by the induction coil 12. By heating the inner conductor 4 in a defined area, the cable foil 6 is thermally damaged in a correspondingly defined damage area S.

[0057] Thermal damage may be, in particular in the case of thermoplastics, a local partial melting, melting or complete melting of the plastic of the cable foil 6 in the damaged area S. In particular in the case of non-thermoplastics, it is also conceivable that the plastic of the cable foil 6 in the damaged area S is burned out, deteriorated or embrittled by thermal damage.

[0058] The thermal damage of the cable foil 6 in the damaged area S defines an area in which a crack will form that separates the cable foil 6 into a section 6a to be removed and a remaining section 6b when the cable foil 6 is moved relative to the inner conductor 4. The crack defined by the damaged area S allows the section 6a of the cable foil 6 to be removed to be removed from the underlying conductor structure 3, i.e. the inner conductor 4, with as little residue of the cable foil 6 as possible remaining in the area of ​​the inner conductor 4 to be exposed.

[0059] The end section 1b is defined at one end by the cable end 1a, i.e. by the end face of the cable 1. The end of the end section 1b located opposite the cable end may coincide with the incision 9 and / or the damaged area S or may further comprise a section of the cable 1 in which the remaining section 7a of the cable jacket 7 is arranged.

[0060] In this embodiment, the incisions 9 in the cable jacket 7 are arranged closer to the cable end 1a than the damaged area S, so that the cable jacket 7 is intact in the section of the cable 1 which is inside the induction coil 12 during the induction heat treatment. Since the heat treatment is performed by induction, the damaged area S can be created without the cable jacket 7 having to be previously removed in the area to be processed. Due to the offset of the incisions 9 and the damaged area S, it can further be achieved that the residues of the cable foil 6 which may possibly be left on the inner conductor upon removal are covered up by the cable jacket 7, so that in the stripped area of ​​the inner conductor 4 there are in any case no plastic residues which would prevent contact.

[0061] In Fig. 1c, the cable 1 is shown during the pulling movement of the cable foil 6, where a crack has already formed in the damaged area S, which is widened or enlarged by the pulling, i.e. the movement of the cable foil 6 in the direction of the cable end 1a. In this embodiment, the fact that the cable foil 6 usually adheres to the cable jacket 7 or that the adhesion forces between the cable jacket 7 and the cable foil 6 are greater than the adhesion forces between the cable foil 6 and the underlying conductor structure 3, here the inner conductor 4, is utilized. Correspondingly, the section 7a of the cable jacket 7 to be removed and the section 6a of the cable foil 6 to be removed are removed together by a common relative movement. This also allows a relatively easy gripping of the cable foil 6, since the cable jacket 7 can be gripped and moved by a corresponding pulling tool.

[0062] It should be noted in that case that the relative movement leading to the formation of the crack does not necessarily have to be (only) a translational movement, but also a rotational movement or a bending movement is conceivable. The removal of the sections 6a, 7a of the cable foil 6 and of the cable jacket 7 to be removed after the formation of the crack is effected in particular by a translational pulling movement in the direction of the cable end 1a.

[0063] After removal of the sections 6a, 7a of the cable foil 6 and the cable jacket 7 to be removed, the cable 1 remains, in its end region 1b the inner conductor 4 being exposed for contacting.

[0064] In figures 2a to 2c the steps of the method according to the invention are shown which have already been described in connection with the first embodiment, so that only the differences of the second embodiment compared to the first embodiment will be detailed.

[0065] Whereas in the first embodiment the cable 1 comprises only a single conductor structure 3, i.e. the inner conductor 4, in the second embodiment the cable 1 has an inner conductor 4 and an outer conductor structure 5, i.e. a metal braid 5a formed as a braided shield. In that case the cable foil 6 is not provided directly on the inner conductor 4 but on the outer conductor structure 5, i.e. the metal braid 5a. In order to prevent contact between the metal braid 5a and the inner conductor 4 an inner insulating layer 8 is arranged between the inner conductor 4 and the metal braid 5a.

[0066] Furthermore, in particular in Fig. 2b, it can be seen that in this embodiment the section 7a of the cable jacket 7 to be removed has already been removed before inserting the end section 1b into the induction coil 12. Although this is not necessary as mentioned above, the induction heating of the outer conductor structure 5 naturally works even if there is no section of the cable jacket 7 in the induction coil 12 between the conductor structure 3, 5, 5a to be heated and the induction coil 12. By using the induction coil 12, in this embodiment, by correspondingly selecting the induction parameters, such as the amplitude and frequency of the induction current, the penetration depth can be selected in such a way that in particular the metal braid 5a is heated in the damaged area S, whereby the cable foil 6 located on the metal braid 5a is thermally damaged in the damaged area S. In that case, it is particularly advantageous if the insulation layer 8 has a higher thermal resistance than the cable foil 6, in order to prevent the insulation layer 8 also from being significantly thermally damaged in the damaged area S.

[0067] In FIG. 2c it is shown that the section 6a of the cable foil 6 to be removed is removed from the end section 1b by relative movement of the cable foil 6 with respect to the metal braid 5a.

[0068] Figures 3a to 3c show the above steps of the method according to the invention in the context of a third particularly preferred variant, in which again only the differences with respect to the above embodiments will be described below.

[0069] In this embodiment, the cable 1 has three conductor structures 3, namely an inner conductor 4 and two outer conductor structures 5. The first outer conductor structure 5a is a metal braid 5a formed as a braided shield, as in the second embodiment, provided on an insulating layer 8. A second outer conductor structure in the form of a metal foil 5b is arranged on the metal braid 5a. The cable foil 6 is in this embodiment provided on the metal foil 5b, and it is also conceivable that the metal foil 5b and the cable foil 6 are formed as a composite foil. This cable configuration is a typical cable configuration for a coaxial cable, in which the metal braid 5a functions as a braided shield.

[0070] In FIG. 3a it can be seen that when the end section 1b is inserted into the induction coil 12 the cable jacket 7 is completely intact, i.e. no cuts 9 are provided.

[0071] Fig. 3b shows that the incisions 9 can be made in the same processing device 10 before, after or during the induction heating of the metal foil 5b by the induction coil 12 (see Figs. 4 to 6). In this embodiment, by using the induction coil 12, the penetration depth can be selected such that, by correspondingly selecting the induction parameters such as the amplitude and frequency of the induction current, in particular the metal foil 5b is heated in the damage zone S, whereby the cable foil 6 located on the metal foil 5b is thermally damaged in the damage zone S.

[0072] As can be seen in Fig. 3c, the metal braid 5a is then exposed by removing the sections 6a, 7a of the cable foil 6 and the cable jacket 7 to be removed. In that case, in the event of a relative movement of the cable jacket 7 and the cable foil 6 relative to the inner conductor 4 or the metal braid 5a, cracks also form in the metal foil 5b in the damaged area S, so that the metal foil 5b can also be pulled out together with the cable jacket 7 and the cable foil 6 from the section of the end section 1b of the cable 1 to be exposed. In the case of a composite foil, it is particularly easy to remove them together, but due to the high adhesion between the cable foil 6 and the metal foil 5b, it is also conceivable that the thermal damage of the cable foil 6 reduces the tensile resistance of the metal foil 5b, so that cracks form in the metal foil 5b in the event of a relative movement.

[0073] Needless to say, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined with one another without problems, in particular with regard to the cable configuration and the position of the incisions 9. Additional layers, insulating layers 8 as well as conductor structures, can be provided and the above-mentioned exposure of the inner conductor 4 and / or the metal braid 5a can be repeated stepwise in the above-mentioned process.

[0074] Function of the invention The function of the method according to the invention is clarified on the basis of the processing device 10 shown in Figures 4 to 7. The processing device 10 then defines a processing space 11 in which the end section 1b of the cable 1 to be processed is accommodated and which has at least one through-opening 16 for the insertion of the end section 1b. The construction of the cable 1 then corresponds to the construction described in connection with Figures 3a to 3c, whereby the cable 1 comprises, in the order specified below, the inner conductor 4, the insulating layer 8, the metal braid 5a and the metal foil 5b formed as a braided shield, the plastic foil 6 provided on the metal foil 5b, and the cable jacket 7.

[0075] The induction coil 12 is arranged in the processing space 11, and the end section 1b is threaded through the induction coil 12, whereby at least the region of the cable 1 in which the damaged region S is to be created is arranged in the induction coil 12. Furthermore, in order to fix the end section 1b of the cable 1, at least one clamping unit 15 is provided in the processing space 11, which can clamp the end section 1b during processing. The clamping unit 15 comprises one or more clamping elements, in particular made of plastic, which can be positioned in the vicinity of the induction coil 12.

[0076] Furthermore, the processing device 10 comprises a cutting unit 14 with at least one cutting element 14a for producing the incision 9 in the cable jacket 7 and means 13 for pulling off the section 6a of the cable 6 to be removed, whereby the means 13 for pulling off comprises in this example a gripping element 13a which is formed for gripping the cable jacket 7 or the cable foil 6 and a movement device 13b which allows the gripping element 13a to be moved, in particular slid or rotated, relative to the cable 1 as soon as the gripping element 13a has gripped the cable jacket 7 or the cable foil 6.

[0077] From figure 4 it can be seen the first step of the method, i.e. the provision of an end section 1b of a cable 1 having at least one conductor structure 3, a cable foil 6 made of plastic being provided on one of the conductor structures 3. In the shown state of the processing device 10, the clamping unit 15 is already in a state of clamping the remaining section 7b of the cable jacket 7, the gripping element 13a being engaged with the section 7a of the cable jacket 7 to be removed. In order to fix the section of the cable 1 to be processed, an induction coil 12 is arranged relative to the cable axis 2 between the means 13 for drawing off the cable foil 6 and the clamping unit 15.

[0078] FIG. 5 then shows the step of creating a defined damage area S, in which the conductor structure 3, here the metal foil 5b, in contact with the cable foil 6 is inductively heated by an induction coil 12, whereby the cable foil 6 is thermally damaged in the damage area S. To achieve such a defined damage, the geometry of the water-cooled induction coil 12 and the induction parameters, such as amplitude and frequency as well as heating duration, are selected in such a way that an alternating electromagnetic field is generated in the induction coil 12, and a maximum heating of the metal foil 5b is achieved by the penetration depth that can be represented by the alternating magnetic field. Since the metal foil 5b has material properties that allow it to withstand much higher thermal loads than the cable foil 6 made of plastic applied thereon, the cable foil 6 is thermally damaged in the damage area S by the induction heating of the metal foil 5b, for example melting or becoming embrittled or deteriorating. To achieve such a thermal damage, the cable foil 6 is brought to a temperature of 120° C. to 200° C. in the damage area S by the inductively heated metal foil 5b. The duration of the induction heating is advantageously less than 20 seconds, in particular less than 10 seconds.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable to design the metal foil 5b in such a way that it is structurally weakened by induction heating, whereby a defined crack formation of the metal foil 5b in the damage zone S is achieved.

[0080] Due to the induction heating, the cable jacket 7 can be completely intact during heating, since the alternating electromagnetic field can penetrate the cable jacket 7 and does not lead to heating or is blocked by the cable jacket 7. End sections 1b of cables 1 with different diameters and cable configurations can also be processed by the induction coil 12, since the parameters of the alternating electromagnetic field only need to be adjusted accordingly.

[0081] In Fig. 6 the end section 1b is shown after the cutting unit 14 has made the incision 9 in the cable jacket 7. The cutting element 14a then penetrates radially into the cable jacket 7, the cutting element 14a being designed to make an at least partially, in particular a completely circumferential incision 9. If the cutting unit 14 is slidably held in the processing device 10 as shown, the cutting unit 14 can move the section 7a of the cable jacket 7 to be removed in the direction of the cable end 1a in order to enlarge the incision 9 in the axial direction.

[0082] In that case, the cutting unit 14 is arranged between the means 13 for extracting the cable foil 6, in particular the gripping element 13a, and the induction coil 12, so that the section between the incision 9 and the cable end 1a is smaller than the distance between the cable end 1a and the induction coil 12. Viewed from the through-opening 16, the induction coil 12 is positioned between the through-opening 16 and the cutting unit 14. The corresponding positioning of the cutting unit 14 ensures that when the next relative movement and extraction takes place, any remaining residues of the cable foil 6 are covered up by the remaining section 7b of the cable jacket 7 in the damaged area S and thus do not adversely affect the contact of the metal braid 5a.

[0083] The above-mentioned positioning of the cutting unit 14 ensures that in an alternative embodiment of the method, in which the incision 9 is made before induction heating, the cable jacket 7 is intact in the area of ​​the cable 1 where the damaged area S is created by the induction coil 12.

[0084] As already mentioned in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 1a to 3c, the cutting unit 14 is not necessarily a part of the processing device 10, since the incision 9 can already be made before the end section 1b is inserted into the processing space 11 or the cable jacket 7 can already be removed in the section to be processed before insertion.

[0085] In Fig. 7, a step is shown of moving the cable foil 6 relative to the conductor structure 3 remaining in the cable 1, i.e. relative to the inner conductor 4 and the metal braid 5a. The relative movement, which may be a translational, pivotal or bending movement, causes a crack to form in the cable foil 6 in the damaged area S, which crack separates the section 6a of the cable foil 6 to be removed and the remaining section 6b from each other. Furthermore, in the damaged area S, a crack also forms in the metal foil 5b, so that it can then be removed together with the sections 6a, 7a of the cable foil 6 and the cable jacket 7 to be removed in order to expose the metal braid 5a for contact.

[0086] In this embodiment, by moving the gripping element 13a clamping the section 7a of the cable jacket 7 to be removed, the section 6a of the cable foil 6 to be removed, which is attached to the cable jacket 7, and also the metal foil 5b attached to the cable foil 6, are moved relative to the metal braid 5a in order to form cracks, especially if the cable foil 6 and the metal foil 5b are formed as a composite foil. The cracks are usually formed due to thermal damage of the cable foil 6.

[0087] As soon as cracks form in the metal foil 5b and in the cable foil 6 in the damaged area S, the cable foil 6 and the cable jacket 7 as well as the sections 6a, 7a of the metal foil 5b to be removed can be easily and completely pulled out of the cable 1, in particular by means of the pulling means 13, exposing the metal braid 5a formed as a braided shield.

[0088] It should be noted that not only cables having the cable configuration shown in the embodiment detailed above, but also cables having a cable configuration with one or more intermediate layers can be processed accordingly by the processing device 10 described above.

[0089] 4 to 7, for ease of understanding, all relevant elements of the processing device 10 are shown arranged in a common processing space 11, which additionally makes the overall duration for removing the section 6a of the cable foil 6 to be removed particularly short, but in alternative embodiments of the invention, in particular when the processing device 10 is configured as a plant with several sub-devices, it can be provided that the cutting unit 14 and / or the means 13 for drawing off the cable foil 6 are arranged in each case in a separate, further processing space. Thus, the cutting unit 14 can be arranged in a separate processing space of a cutting device of the processing device 10 and / or the means 13 for drawing off the cable foil 6 can be arranged in a separate processing space of a stripping device of the processing device 10, whereas the induction coil 12 and in particular the clamping unit 15 are arranged in the processing space 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1 Cable 1a Cable end 1b end division 2 Cable shaft 3 Conductor Structure 4 Inner Conductor 5 Outer conductor structure 5a metal braid 5b metal foil 6 Cable foil 6a Section of cable foil 6 to be removed 6b remaining section of cable foil 6 7 Cable jacket 7a Section of cable jacket 7 to be removed 7b remaining section of cable jacket 7 8 Insulating Layer 9 Cutting 10 Processing equipment 11 Processing space 12 Induction coil 13 Means for extracting the cable foil 13a Gripping element 13b Exercise equipment 14 Cutting unit 14a Cutting element 15 Clamping unit 16 Through opening S Damage Area The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below. [1] A method for removing a section (6a) of a cable foil (6) to be removed from an end section (1b) of a cable (1), comprising the steps of: Providing an end section (1b) of a cable (1) having a cable axis (2), said cable (1) comprising a cable jacket (7), at least one electrically conductive conductor structure (3, 4, 5) and a cable foil (6) made of plastic applied to one of the conductor structures (3, 4, 5); - creating a defined damage area (S) in said provided end section (1b) by inductively heating a conductor structure (3, 4, 5a, 5b) on which at least said cable foil (6) is provided, whereby said cable foil (6) provided on said heated conductor structure (3, 4, 5a, 5b) is at least partially thermally damaged in said damage area (S); moving the cable foil (6) relative to one of the conductor structures (3, 4, 5), said relative movement forming a crack in the damaged area (S), said crack separating the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed from the section (6b) of the cable foil (6) remaining in the cable (1); The method includes: [2] The method according to [1], characterized in that the at least one conductor structure (3) consists of an inner conductor (4) and at least one outer conductor structure (5, 5a, 5b), and the cable foil (6) is provided on one of the outer conductor structures (5, 5a, 5b). [3] The method according to [2], characterized in that the outer conductor structure (5) provided with the cable foil (6) is formed as a metal foil (5b). [4] The method according to [3], characterized in that the outer conductor structure (5), formed as a metal foil (5b), is structurally weakened in the damage area (S) by the induction heating. [5] The method according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that the induction heating is performed by an induction coil (12), an alternating electromagnetic field is generated by the induction coil (12), and at least the damaged area (S) of the cable (1) is positioned within the induction coil (12) during the induction heating. [6] The method according to any one of [1] to [5], characterized in that the cable foil (6) is covered by the cable jacket (7) in the damaged area (S) during the induction heating of the at least one conductor structure (3, 4, 5). [7] The method according to any one of [1] to [6], further comprising a cutting step extending at least partially around the cable jacket (7) at a position located closer to the cable end (1a) of the end section (1b) than the damaged area (S). [8] The method according to [7], characterized in that the at least partially circumferential cutting step of the cable jacket (7) is carried out during or after the creation of the defined damage area (S). [9] The method according to [7], characterized in that the at least partially circumferential cutting step of the cable jacket (7) is performed before the creation of the defined damage area (S).

[10] The method according to any one of [7] to [9], characterized in that the crack formed by the relative motion is formed in the cable foil (6) below the cable jacket (7).

[11] The method according to any one of [1] to

[10] , characterized in that the cable jacket (7) is divided by an at least partially circumferential incision (9) into a section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) to be removed and a section (7b) of the cable jacket (7) that remains, and that the section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) to be removed is moved in the direction of the cable axis (2), such that by said movement the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed, which is at least partially attached to the cable jacket (7), is pulled out.

[12] A step of inductively heating the conductor structure (3, 4, 5a, 5b) provided with at least the cable foil (6); a cutting step extending at least partially around the cable jacket (7); - removing the section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) to be removed and the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed together in a processing space (11) of a processing device (10) in a particularly specified sequence; The method according to any one of [1] to

[11] , characterized in that the following is carried out.

[13] The method according to any one of [1] to

[12] , characterized in that the at least one conductor structure (3, 4, 5) provided with the cable foil (6) is induction heated to a temperature of 80°C or more, preferably 100°C or more, particularly preferably 200°C or more, in particular 300°C or more.

[14] A processing apparatus (10) for carrying out the method according to any one of [1] to

[13] , a processing space (11) for receiving an end section (1b) of a cable (1) to be processed, said cable (1) comprising a cable jacket (7) and at least one electrically conductive conductor structure (3, 4, 5) and a cable foil (6) made of plastic applied to one of the conductor structures (3, 4, 5); an induction coil (12) arranged in the processing space (11), the induction coil (12) being designed to inductively heat at least the conductor structures (3, 4, 5a, 5b) of the section of the cable (1) inserted in the induction coil (12) during the processing process, the conductor structures (3, 4, 5a, 5b) on which the cable foil (6) is provided, so that the cable foil (6) provided on the heated conductor structures (3, 4, 5a, 5b) is at least partially thermally damaged in a defined damage zone (S) and subsequently a position of the cable (1) at which a crack will form in the cable foil (6) when it is pulled out is determined; a means (13) for extracting the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed, defined by the damaged area (S); A processing device (10) comprising:

[15] The processing device (10) according to

[14] , characterized in that at least one clamping unit (15) for fixing the end section (1b) of the cable (1) during the processing process is arranged in the processing space (11).

[16] The processing device (10) according to

[14] or

[15] , characterized in that the processing device (10) further comprises a cutting unit (14) for making an incision extending at least partially around the cable jacket (7) of the cable (1).

[17] The processing device (10) described in

[16] , characterized in that the cutting unit (14) is arranged in the processing space (11).

[18] The processing device (10) described in

[17] , characterized in that the processing space (11) has a through opening (16) for inserting the end section (1b) of the cable (1) into the processing space (11), and the induction coil (12) is arranged between the cutting unit (14) and the through opening (16).

[19] The processing device (10) described in

[17] , characterized in that the cutting unit (14) is arranged in the processing space (11) relative to the induction coil (12) so as to be able to create the at least partially circumferentially extending incision in the cable jacket (7) of the cable (1) at a position located closer to the cable end (1a) of the end section (1b) than the damage area (S) that can be created by the induction coil (12).

[20] A processing device (10) according to any one of

[14] to

[19] , characterized in that it is formed with a means (13) for pulling out the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed, which is contacted with the section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) defined by the incisions (9) and subsequently removing the section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) together with the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed by a pulling motion.

[21] A processing device (10) described in any one of

[14] to

[20] , characterized in that a means (13) for pulling out the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed is arranged in the processing space (11).

Claims

1. 1. A method for removing a section (6a) of a cable foil (6) to be removed from an end section (1b) of a cable (1), comprising the steps of: Providing an end section (1b) of a cable (1) having a cable axis (2), said cable (1) comprising a cable jacket (7), at least one electrically conductive conductor structure (3, 4, 5) and a cable foil (6) made of plastic applied to one of the conductor structures (3, 4, 5); - creating a defined damage area (S) in said provided end section (1b) by inductively heating a conductor structure (3, 4, 5a, 5b) provided with at least said cable foil (6), whereby said cable foil (6) provided on said heated conductor structure (3, 4, 5a, 5b) is at least partially thermally damaged in said damage area (S); - moving the cable foil (6) relative to one of the conductor structures (3, 4, 5) by a relative movement, said relative movement forming a crack in the damaged area (S), said crack separating the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed from a section (6b) of the cable foil (6) remaining in the cable (1); The method includes:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one conductor structure (3) consists of an inner conductor (4) and at least one outer conductor structure (5, 5a, 5b), and the cable foil (6) is provided on one of the outer conductor structures (5, 5a, 5b).

3. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer conductor structure (5) provided with the cable foil (6) is formed as a metal foil (5b).

4. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that the outer conductor structure (5), formed as a metal foil (5b), is structurally weakened in the damaged area (S) by the inductive heating.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the induction heating is performed by means of an induction coil (12), by means of which an alternating electromagnetic field is generated, and at least the damaged area (S) of the cable (1) is located within the induction coil (12) during the induction heating.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that during the inductive heating of the at least one conductor structure (3, 4, 5), the cable foil (6) is covered by the cable jacket (7) in the damaged area (S).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the step of: making a cut extending at least partially around the cable jacket (7) at a location arranged closer to the cable end (1a) of the end section (1b) than the damaged area (S).

8. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least partially circumferential cutting step of the cable jacket (7) is performed during or after the creation of the defined damage area (S).

9. 8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that the step of at least partially circumferentially cutting the cable jacket (7) is performed before the creation of the defined damage area (S).

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the cracks formed by the relative movement are formed in the cable foil (6) underneath the cable jacket (7).

11. 11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable jacket (7) is divided by an at least partially circumferential cut (9) into a section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) to be removed and a section (7b) of the cable jacket (7) that remains, and that the section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) to be removed is moved in the direction of the cable axis (2), with said movement pulling out the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed, which is at least partially attached to the cable jacket (7).

12. - inductive heating of the conductor structure (3, 4, 5a, 5b) provided with at least said cable foil (6); a cutting step extending at least partially around the cable jacket (7); - removing the section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) to be removed together with the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed in a processing space (11) of a processing device (10); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the following is carried out:

13. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one conductor structure (3, 4, 5) provided with the cable foil (6) is inductively heated to a temperature of 80°C or higher.

14. A processing device (10) for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: a processing space (11) for receiving an end section (1b) of a cable (1) to be processed, said cable (1) comprising a cable jacket (7) and at least one electrically conductive conductor structure (3, 4, 5) and a cable foil (6) made of plastic applied to one of said conductor structures (3, 4, 5); an induction coil (12) arranged in the processing space (11), the induction coil (12) being designed to inductively heat at least the conductor structures (3, 4, 5a, 5b) of the section of the cable (1) that is inserted in the induction coil (12) during the processing process, the conductor structures (3, 4, 5a, 5b) on which the cable foil (6) is provided, so that the cable foil (6) provided on the heated conductor structures (3, 4, 5a, 5b) is at least partially thermally damaged in a defined damage zone (S) and a position of the cable (1) at which a crack will form in the cable foil (6) when it is subsequently pulled out is determined; a means (13) for extracting the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed, defined by the damaged area (S); A processing device (10) comprising:

15. 15. Processing device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one clamping unit (15) for fixing the end section (1b) of the cable (1) during the processing process is arranged in the processing space (11).

16. 16. The processing device (10) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the processing device (10) further comprises a cutting unit (14) for making an incision extending at least partially around the cable jacket (7) of the cable (1).

17. 17. Processing device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the cutting unit (14) is arranged in the processing space (11).

18. The processing device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the processing space (11) has a through opening (16) for inserting the end section (1b) of the cable (1) into the processing space (11), and the induction coil (12) is arranged between the cutting unit (14) and the through opening (16).

19. 18. The processing device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the cutting unit (14) is arranged in the processing space (11) relative to the induction coil (12) so as to be able to create the at least partially circumferentially extending incision in the cable jacket (7) of the cable (1) at a position arranged closer to the cable end (1a) of the end section (1b) than the damage area (S) that can be created by the induction coil (12).

20. 20. The processing device (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that means (13) are formed for pulling out the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed, which is determined by the incisions (9) and subsequently removing the section (7a) of the cable jacket (7) together with the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed by a pulling movement.

21. Processing device (10) according to any one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that means (13) for pulling out the section (6a) of the cable foil (6) to be removed are arranged in the processing space (11).

Images