Crimping Pliers - Force Sensors and Crimping Pliers

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crimping clamp-force sensor (26). The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) has a transmission body (8) and a support body (1), with a half-mold (29) abutting the transmission body. At least one piezoelectric film (18, 19) is arranged between the transmission body (8) and the support body (1). According to the invention, the transmission body (8) and the support body (1) have a protrusion (7) and a recess, by which the protrusion and recess ensure that the transmission body (8) is floated and accommodated in the support body (2) and guided in a transverse plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crimping pliers in which the crimping force acting during the crimping process is measured using a force sensor. This can be used, for example, to monitor the crimping process, ensure quality, and / or document the crimping process. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a crimping pliers force sensor. Prior Art

[0002] Manually operated crimping pliers of this type are used for crimping workpieces, in particular for crimping plugs and cables. In this case, the crimping pliers can in principle be based on the unpublished European patent application EP 16 156 231.9 or one of the following documents: EP 3 012 924 A1, EP 3 012 923 A1, EP 2 698 885 A1, EP 2 672 580 A1, EP 2 463 969 A2, DE 37 08 727 C2, DE 40 23 337 C1, DE 40 26 332 C2, DE 40 39 435 C1, DE 42 41 224 C1, DE 44 27 553 C2, DE 197 13 580 C2, DE 197 53 436 C2, DE 198 02 287 C1, DE 198 07 737 C2, DE 298 03 336 U1, DE 198 32 884 C1, DE 100 56 900 C1, DE 101 32 413 C2, DE 101 40 270 B4, DE 102 42 345 B3, DE 10 2005 003 615 B3, DE 10 2005 003 617 B3, DE 10 2007 038 626 B3, DE 10 2008 003 524 B4, DE 10 2008 012 011 B3, DE 20 2008 003 703 U1, EP 1 724 101 A1, EP 2 305 428 A1, DE 10 2010 061 148 A1, DE 10 2001 052 967 B4 or respectively a crimping hand tool sold by the applicant before the filing date of the present patent application and having the identification CS10, CSV10, CSV10-LWL, CSV10-FFC, AE, CS8, CK100, CS30, CS KTVR, CE / CG, CS150, CS200, CS210, CP600.

[0003] Crimping pliers are used, in particular, to produce a permanent mechanical connection between a plug and a cable in the area of ​​the cable insulation by means of an insulation crimp, and to ensure a permanent electrical contact between the plug and the electrical conductor of the cable by means of a conductor crimp. Depending on the die contour used, different crimping processes can be performed with the crimping pliers.

[0004] For example, the conductor crimping portion can be a closed crimping portion, in which the cable is introduced into a closed crimping area of ​​the plug or a closed sleeve and crimped by plastic deformation of the crimping area or sleeve. However, it is also possible to produce an open crimping portion, in which the plug has an open crimping area, into which the cable can be inserted from above. To list only a few examples, which do not limit the invention, the following can be crimped using the relevant crimping tool: - Cable lugs according to DIN 4623, - Aluminum connectors according to DIN 46329, - Aluminium compression cable lugs according to DIN 48201, - Extruded cable lugs according to DIN 46234, - Pin-type cable lugs according to DIN 46230 or - Connectors, plugs or cable lugs for connecting to cables, such as those described in the catalogue "Tools for professional applications (Werkzeuge für die professionelle Anwendung)" with version number 10 / 11 of the tool factory WEZAG GmbH.

[0005] The crimping portion that is established can be, for example, a hexagonal or hexagonal crimping portion, a quadrilateral crimping portion, a B-shaped crimping portion, a trapezoidal crimping portion, a modified trapezoidal crimping portion, an elliptical crimping portion, a single-core crimping portion, or a double-core crimping portion for a closed crimping portion. The open crimping portion can be designed, for example, as a V-shaped crimping portion, a B-shaped crimping portion, a rolled crimping portion, or a double rolled crimping portion.

[0006] In addition to establishing an electrical connection between the conductor and the plug by means of a conductor crimp, a mechanical connection can also be established by means of an insulation crimp. Closed insulation crimps or open insulation crimps (particularly V-shaped crimps, B-shaped crimps, O-shaped crimps, or OV-shaped crimps) can be used. For further information: - This type of crimping pliers is designed to - possible areas of application for this type of crimping pliers and / or - the different types of possible crimp connections that can be produced with this type of crimping pliers, Reference "Crimping technology, production of process-reliable connections for electrical conductors and plugs" ("Crimp technology, Herstellung prozesssicherer verbindungen von elektrischen Leitern und Steckern"), Wezag Tool Works GmbH, Technical Library 342, Modern Industrial Publishing House, ISBN 978-3-68236-027-7.

[0007] Document DE 10 2007 050 176 A1 describes the increasing complexity of cable harnesses, increased product liability, and stricter warranty requirements when crimping connectors to cables using crimping pliers. This requires quality assurance by monitoring the crimping force. A force measuring device is proposed, which can be designed as a piezoelectric force sensor or a strain gauge. The force measuring device is arranged outside the crimping punch, inside the crimping punch, or in the crimping receptacle. Furthermore, the crimping pliers include a transmitter, which is mounted on the crimping pliers head above the crimping punch. The transmitter transmits a wireless crimping force signal, which is received and evaluated by a receiving and evaluation device. The transmitter can be switched on and off using an operating element. Furthermore, the operating element can, in some cases, set the frequency of the transmitter. The transmitter is provided with an energy source in the form of a battery or a rechargeable battery for supplying energy to the transmitter and the force measuring device. It is also proposed that the transmitter may include an induction coil in which an external magnetic field can induce a current in order to charge the battery. It is also proposed that a solar cell be mounted on the crimping pliers to charge the battery. Finally, it is also proposed that a temporary cable connection be provided. The transmitter has a display device on which the crimping force, transmission frequency, the presence of a wireless connection, the charge status of the energy source, etc. can be displayed. The display device can be designed as an LED or LCD display. In addition, a displacement measuring system can be provided on the crimping pliers to detect the working stroke of the crimping pliers. To prevent damage, the crimping pliers can include a ratchet or a slipping device that limits the applicable crimping force to a predetermined value. It is also proposed that the receiving and evaluation device be designed as a commercially available personal computer with a Bluetooth receiver.

[0008] Document DE 298 06 179 U1 describes the method known from DE 40 14 221 A1 for monitoring the quality of crimped connections in crimping presses by detecting the crimping force. To this end, the crimping punch, crimping die, or substructure is designed as a spring body, on which a strain gauge is mounted. The displacement of the crimping punch is detected by an inductive displacement sensor. Against this background, this document proposes also detecting the crimping force and crimping displacement in the crimping pliers. To this end, a first force sensor is used, which directly detects the crimping force in the pliers jaws. A second force sensor detects the opening displacement of the pliers jaws, thereby indirectly detecting the crimping displacement via this opening displacement. Strain gauges or piezoelectric force sensors are used as force sensors. The strain gauge can be attached to a leaf spring that is tensioned during the closing movement of the crimping pliers. It is also proposed that the first force sensor is mounted on an intermediate component in the lever drive of the crimping pliers, or that the first force sensor is located between the crimping insert and the jaws when the crimping insert is fixed thereto. A reference sensor can be used for temperature compensation. An evaluation circuit with a suitable display can be provided on the crimping pliers to provide information about the quality of the crimping process to the user of the crimping pliers during crimping. The crimping pliers can also be provided with a data memory in which force-displacement curves for different types of crimping, in particular different contact types, can be stored, thereby providing a corresponding force-displacement curve for a specific crimping during quality monitoring. An LED display or a liquid crystal display can be used as an optical display on the crimping pliers. Additionally, the signal output can be provided by an acoustic output device. If an optical display device or an acoustic output device composed of LEDs is used, the successful execution of the crimping process can be confirmed by the optical display device or the acoustic output device using different colors or tones. The interface to the stationary computer can be a wired or optical interface, as well as any possible airborne interface using electromagnetic radiation in the visible, infrared, or radio range. This can also be a bidirectional interface. It is also possible for the closing movement of the pliers jaws in the crimping pliers to be assisted by a servo motor. The crimping force curve can be monitored by comparing the measured crimping force curve with a predetermined crimping force curve, possibly within a predetermined tolerance range.

[0009] Patent DE 10 2004 009 489 B4 cites US Pat. No. 5,195,042, DE 298 06 179, DE 199 32 962 and DE 697 00 589 as relevant prior art for the use of displacement / force measuring systems in crimping technology and relates to the electronic monitoring of the setting process of crimping pliers.

[0010] Patent application DE 10 2008 030 773 A1 cites documents DE 40 14 221, DE 43 37 796, DE 199 32 962, DE 29 806 179.1, and US Pat. No. 5 490 406 as relevant prior art regarding previously known electronic devices for force-displacement measurement in crimping pliers. Patent application DE 10 2008 030 773 A1 also relates to the electronic monitoring of the setting process of crimping pliers. A sensor system is used here that detects the crimping displacement absolutely or incrementally. An electronic display can be generated on an LCD display by a control, monitoring, and evaluation unit. A cartridge can be used, into which the computer system and the components for recording and setting the force with the sensor system can be integrated. These components can be installed and removed from the assembled pliers and replaced as needed.

[0011] European Patent EP 2 043 818 B1 relates to equipping manually operated pliers with a signaling device that enables the user's hand to sense when a predetermined closing force has been reached. In this case, the signaling device is designed as a vibrator integrated into the handle.

[0012] EP 2 698 885 A1 discloses a crimping machine of a different type than that described above, in which different interchangeable adapters can be used. The interchangeable adapters each have a punch and an anvil. Furthermore, sensors are integrated into each interchangeable adapter, which detect the crimping force and / or the crimping displacement. Sensors with different measuring ranges for different applications can be used in the interchangeable adapters. The force sensor can be integrated into a recess in the anvil or punch of the interchangeable adapter. Deformation of the anvil or punch then causes a force to be applied to the sensor arranged in the recess. In this case, the elastically deformable areas of the anvil or punch of the support device are mechanically connected in parallel by the sensor. Calibration of the interchangeable adapter and the force sensor can be performed at the factory or after delivery of the interchangeable adapter. The determined calibration coefficients or calibration curves can be modeled or stored in a control unit integrated into the interchangeable adapter.

[0013] EP 3 396 796 A1 proposes a crimping pliers in which two jaws are supported via pivot bearings on a fixed jaw part that forms a fixed handle. One jaw is moved from an open position to a closed position by manually actuating the handle via a toggle mechanism over the crimping stroke. The other jaw is supported on the fixed jaw part by a mechanical parallel connection of a spring, which is designed as an elastomeric body, on the one hand, and a crimping pliers force sensor, on the other hand. This splits the force flow of the crimping force into two partial force flows with two crimping force components. This results in the crimping pliers force sensor being acted upon by only one crimping force component, rather than the entire crimping force. This reduces the maximum permissible force requirements of the crimping pliers force sensor. The crimping pliers force sensor is based on a (particularly hemispherical) elastic hemisphere, which is pressed against a sensor surface by the crimping force component acting on the crimping pliers force sensor. The size or diameter of the contact surface between the elastic hemisphere and the sensor surface depends on the crimping force component. The size of the contact surface is detected by means of a row or array of contacts or switches arranged in the sensor surface, wherein the number of actuated contacts or switches is correlated with the size of the contact surface. From the size of the contact surface detected in this way, the contact force component can be determined by means of the deformation behavior of the hemisphere, and the contact force can be determined from the known correlation of the contact force component with the contact force.

[0014] US 2008 / 0078255 A1 discloses a different type of crimping machine, which has a die mounted on an anvil and a punch mounted on a punch, with the punch being guided on the crimping machine frame. In the anvil, the crimping force is transmitted via a sensor arrangement in which a piezoelectric polymer film is sandwiched between two plates. The piezoelectric polymer film preferably comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The crimping force is measured during the mechanical crimping process using the piezoelectric polymer film. To avoid the effects of incorrect orientation of the die or punch and anvil, the force flow can be transmitted via two piezoelectric polymer film elements arranged mechanically in parallel. According to US 2008 / 0078255 A1, the use of piezoelectric polymer film eliminates the need for mounting pins, which are required for force sensors designed as sensor rings. Furthermore, the piezoelectric polymer film or polymer film element should be protected against inaccurate axial loading, tilting, and bending moment loading, as is the case with crystal or ceramic sensors, to reduce the effects of errors.

[0015] Further prior art is known from DE 10 2015 107 302 A1.

[0016] The closest prior art, EP 3 820 001 A1, discloses a crimping pliers force sensor in which a piezoelectric film is arranged between flat, parallel contact surfaces of a support body and a transmission body. The piezoelectric film can be loosely arranged between the support body and the transmission body, clamped therebetween, or adhesively bonded to the support body and / or the transmission body. The support body is pivotable about a pivot axis oriented perpendicular to the pivot plane of the jaws, and the fixed jaw of the crimping pliers rests on the support body. The die back of the replaceable die is supported on the transmission body. The die has an elongated hole oriented in the direction of the crimping axis, through which a retaining and guiding pin held by the fixed jaw extends. On the one hand, the retaining and guiding pin ensures that the die is securely held on the fixed jaw. On the other hand, the engagement of the retaining and guiding pin in the elongated hole ensures that the die halves have limited freedom in the direction of the crimping axis, which is necessary for applying the crimping force to the piezoelectric film. The piezoelectric film is connected to the electronic component of the crimping tool via a connecting cable. The electronic component processes and evaluates the piezoelectric film's signal, thereby determining the crimping force. The piezoelectric film can be folded into at least two layers with identical sensor surfaces between the transfer element and the support element. The crimping force and the associated surface pressure are then applied to both sensor surfaces, thereby increasing the charge change in the piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric film caused by the crimping force and improving the sensitivity of the crimping tool's force sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The object of the present invention is to provide a crimping pliers force sensor and a crimping pliers having such a crimping pliers force sensor, wherein the crimping pliers force sensor or the crimping pliers is particularly related to: - construction and / or assembly costs, and / or - Crimping pliers - force sensors, and / or - Design of electrical measurement circuits, and / or - Evaluation and processing of measurement signals Been improved.

[0018] According to the present invention, the task of the present invention is solved by the features of the preferred embodiment. Other preferred designs of the present invention can be derived from the optional embodiments.

[0019] The present invention proposes a crimping pliers force sensor comprising a transmission body, a support body and at least one piezoelectric film arranged between the transmission body and the support body, wherein the crimping pliers force sensor can in principle be designed in accordance with the prior art, in particular in accordance with the prior art mentioned at the beginning of this article (e.g. EP 3 820 001 A1).

[0020] According to the present invention, a particularly simple connection or guidance between the transmission element and the support element is provided: the transmission element and the support element have projections and recesses. For simplicity, the present invention is partially explained below based on the projections of the support element and the recesses of the transmission element. It is entirely possible that the projections are provided on the transmission element and the recesses are provided on the support element, or that the support element and the transmission element each have at least one projection and one recess.

[0021] According to the invention, the transmission body and the support body are guided by means of projections and recesses in a plane transverse to the direction of the pressing force. At the same time, the projections and recesses ensure a degree of freedom between the transmission body and the support body in the direction of the pressing force, which is necessary for applying the pressing force to the piezoelectric film arranged between the transmission body and the support body. It is possible for the transmission body to be captured in a transverse plane in the region of the recesses between the projections of the support body, wherein a certain gap can be provided. It is possible for only two projections of the support body to interact with two recesses of the transmission body, thereby ensuring guidance in a transverse direction or also in an orthogonal transverse direction. However, it is also entirely possible for the support body to have three or four projections, so that the transmission body can then be captured between these projections in the region of the recesses in different transverse directions.

[0022] The present invention is based, in particular, on the recognition that the pivotable mounting of the transmission body for guiding it, as per EP 3 396 796 B1, is complex and requires additional structural space, costs, and assembly effort, which can be avoided by the measures of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is based on the recognition that simply holding the transmission body on a support body by gluing it to a piezoelectric film, as per EP 3 820 001 A1, results in forces acting in a transverse plane between the transmission body and the support body loading the piezoelectric film. This can lead to measurement errors and / or damage to the piezoelectric film.

[0023] In a particularly simple design of the invention, the transmission body is held on the support body solely by adhesion to the at least one piezoelectric film and the interaction of the projections and recesses, without any other retaining connection of the transmission body to other components of the crimping pliers.

[0024] If the support body has a projection oriented in the direction of the crimping force, this projection can have any desired cross-section, wherein the geometry of the recess of the transmission body can be adapted accordingly. For example, it is possible for the projection to be a pin of the support body, have a circular cross-section, and to be accommodated in a recess formed as a hole in the transmission body.

[0025] In a particular embodiment, the convex portion of the support body has a rectangular cross-section. It is possible to form the transfer body as a transfer plate, which allows for very simple production. In particular, the plane parallelism of the contact surface of the transfer plate with the mold back and the contact surface for the piezoelectric film can also be easily ensured. In this case, the recess can be formed as a rectangular corner cutout at the corner of the rectangular transfer plate (this corner cutout does not need to be produced by "cutting" but can be produced by any manufacturing process). The legs of the rectangular corner cutout then interact with two adjacent sides of the rectangular cross-section of the convex portion of the support body, thereby ensuring the described guidance.

[0026] It is therefore possible, within the framework of the invention, for the recess to have an open-edged cross section in the transverse plane (as is the case, for example, with the described corner cutout), while it is also possible for the recess to have a closed-edged cross section in the transverse plane (as is the case, for example, with the described guide hole for accommodating a cylindrical pin).

[0027] It is entirely possible that the piezoelectric film extends in a transverse plane only in the regions within the projections and recesses. In a special proposal, the at least one piezoelectric film also has recesses. The projections of the transmission element or support body can then extend through these recesses into the recesses of the support body or transmission element. This has the advantage that the piezoelectric film and its contact surface with the transmission element and support body can have a larger area, thereby reducing stresses in the piezoelectric film and / or improving measurement accuracy.

[0028] In one embodiment of the crimping force sensor according to the present invention, the crimping force sensor comprises a flexible conductor, which also includes a so-called flexible printed circuit board. If further components of the flexible conductor are mentioned below, these may be components integrated into the conductor or components arranged on the conductor. For example, the at least one piezoelectric film may be arranged on the flexible conductor. If there are two active sections of the piezoelectric film, these active sections may be arranged spaced apart on the flexible conductor, with a folding region of the conductor arranged between the two active sections. In the region of this folding region, the conductor and the two sections of the piezoelectric film may be folded together to provide two layers of piezoelectric film in the force flow between the transmission body and the support body.

[0029] It is possible that, in addition to the at least one piezoelectric film, the flexible conductor has an electronic control unit in another section thereof. Preferably, the electronic control unit evaluates the measurement signal of the at least one piezoelectric film. This can be done by taking into account a correlation specific to the at least one piezoelectric film. For example, the correlation can be a calibration factor, by means of which the measurement signal of the at least one piezoelectric film can be converted into a contact force (or a corresponding or standardized value). However, it is also possible for the electronic control unit to take into account any other type of correlation or modeling, such as a linear or nonlinear calibration function, a calibration characteristic curve, etc.

[0030] It is possible for the electronic control unit to consider a correlation that is identical for a large number of crimping jaw force sensors. However, this has the disadvantage that the measurement inaccuracies of the piezoelectric film and the manufacturing inaccuracies of the crimping jaw force sensors must be kept low enough so that the crimping force can be determined from the measurement signal with the required accuracy for multiple crimping jaw force sensors with the same correlation. This also applies to the installation environment of the crimping jaw force sensors in the crimping jaws. In some cases, this requirement can be reduced by tolerating different measurement signals for the same crimping force or the same crimping force curve for different crimping jaw force sensors due to manufacturing tolerances or fluctuations in the piezoelectric film's measurement characteristics. The electronic control unit then considers the different measurement signals specific to each crimping jaw force sensor and / or each installation environment of the crimping jaw force sensor in the crimping jaws by considering the correlation specific to each crimping jaw force sensor. This specific correlation for each individual crimping pliers force sensor can be determined, for example, by the manufacturer of the crimping pliers force sensor or by a calibration process performed by the user using the crimping pliers. Within the scope of the present invention, the correlation, in particular the specific correlation, can be stored in a memory unit, which can also be arranged on or in the flexible conductor.

[0031] The invention further proposes that the flexible conductor is connected to a plug, by means of which the crimping pliers force sensor can be connected, for example, to an electronic component of the crimping pliers.

[0032] Basically, within the scope of the present invention, the flexible conductor of the crimping force sensor can have any width, thickness, structure, and geometry. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flexible conductor comprises a first leg and a second leg. These two legs are connected to each other via a (angled or rounded) bend.

[0033] The two legs can be used to accommodate different electronic components in the leg region. For example, the at least one piezoelectric film, an electronic control unit, and / or a memory unit can be arranged in the region of the first leg. Conversely, the aforementioned plug can be arranged in the region of the second leg (here, in the end region facing away from the angled portion).

[0034] On the other hand, different legs of the flexible conductor can be used to accommodate the installation of the crimping tool force sensor in the crimping tool, wherein the different legs can then extend in different directions in the crimping tool. For example, it is possible that in this installed state, the two legs can be folded over one another in the region of the bend and then extend in different planes of the crimping tool in the folded state.

[0035] Another solution to the object of the present invention is a crimping pliers equipped with a crimping pliers force sensor as described above. The crimping pliers have a fixed jaw part, which integrally forms or carries a fixed hand lever. A support body is mounted on the fixed jaw part. The support body can also be pivotally mounted on the fixed jaw part by a pivot pin about a pivot axis oriented transversely to the pivot plane of the jaws and hand lever, as described in particular in EP 3 820 001 A1. However, it is also possible for the support body to be fixed or mounted with play on the fixed jaw part, which can also be achieved by two transverse bolts of the support body, which are mounted in receiving holes in the fixed jaw part. The crimping pliers have a toggle lever mechanism, in which the pressure rod or toggle lever of the toggle lever mechanism is supported on the fixed jaw part. The hand lever is connected to the movable jaw via the toggle lever mechanism.

[0036] In one proposal of the present invention, the first leg of the conductor extends with its longitudinal axis in the longitudinal plane of the crimping pliers. Conversely, the second leg of the conductor extends with its (particularly curved) longitudinal axis in the transverse plane of the crimping pliers. This can be achieved by folding or bending the conductor, which ensures different extensions. With this proposal, for example, the first leg can ensure the transmission of measurement signals from the piezoelectric film in the front region of the pliers jaws to the electronics unit of the crimping pliers, which can be arranged further back on the first leg. Conversely, the second leg allows the first leg, which extends, for example, in the upper region of the pliers head, to be connected to an interface of the electronics unit via a plug. Due to the angles, folds, and bends of the two legs, the existing installation space can be used for different functions and the transmission of electrical signals.

[0037] A crimping pliers according to the present invention includes an electronics unit having two printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards are arranged on different sides of the crimping pliers' jaws. The printed circuit boards on the different sides can then be connected to each other via a connecting conductor. In this case, the connecting conductor extends around the fixed jaw portion in the housing of the electronics unit in the cross-section of the crimping pliers to connect the two printed circuit boards. Furthermore, the second leg of the conductor of the crimping pliers force sensor also extends around the fixed jaw portion in the housing of the electronics unit in the cross-section of the crimping pliers. The connecting conductor and the conductor can be arranged at least partially in the same circumferential section of the cross-section, and the connecting conductor and the conductor can also be arranged offset in the longitudinal direction of the crimping pliers.

[0038] Advantageous further developments of the invention are apparent from the claims, the description and the drawings.

[0039] The advantages of the features and combinations of features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and may act alternatively or cumulatively, but these advantages do not necessarily have to be achieved by embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] The following applies to the disclosures of the original application documents and patents (not the scope of protection): Additional features are derived from the drawings, in particular the geometric structures shown and the relative dimensions of the various components relative to one another, as well as the relative arrangement and functional connections of these components. Features from different embodiments of the present invention or combinations of features from different claims may also differ from the selected reference relationships of the claims and are provided herein. This also applies to features that are shown in separate drawings or mentioned in their descriptions. These features may also be combined with features from different claims. Features listed in the claims may also be omitted for further embodiments of the present invention; however, this does not apply to independent claims of granted patents.

[0041] The features mentioned in the claims and descriptions are to be understood as including exactly that number or more than that number, without the specific use of the adverb "at least." This means that, for example, when referring to one element, it is understood that exactly one, two, or more elements are present. The features mentioned in the claims may be supplemented by additional features or may be the sole features of the subject matter of the respective claim.

[0042] The figure marks included in the claims do not limit the scope of the subject matter protected by the claims. They are only used to make the claims easier to understand. Simple diagram description

[0043] The present invention will be further explained and described below with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0044] [Figure 1] shows the support body, transmission body and flexible conductor of the crimping pliers-force sensor in a spatial exploded view.

[0045] FIG2 shows another spatial exploded view of a portion of the support body, the transmission body, and the flexible conductor according to FIG1 .

[0046] FIG3 shows the crimping pliers-force sensor according to FIG1 and FIG2 in the assembled state, wherein the mold rests on the transmission body.

[0047] [Figure 4] shows a partially cutaway or partially disassembled crimping pliers viewed from the left.

[0048] [ FIG. 5 ] Shows the crimping pliers according to FIG. 4 in a spatial view from the right rear obliquely.

[0049] FIG. 6 shows the crimping pliers according to FIGS. 5 and 6 in a partially disassembled or partially cutaway state, as seen from the left. FIG.

[0050] FIG. 7 shows the crimping pliers according to FIG. 4 to 6 , essentially corresponding to the illustration in FIG. 6 , but here with the electronic components fully assembled.

[0051] [FIGS. 8] and [FIGS. 9] show the crimping pliers of FIG. 4 to 7 in a partially disassembled or partially cut-away state, as viewed from the right, FIG. 8 showing the crimping pliers in a (partially) open position and FIG. 9 showing the crimping pliers in a closed position. Implementation Method

[0052] In the application text and claims, the same figure references are sometimes used for structural elements that correspond or are similar in function and / or geometry, wherein these structural elements can then be distinguished from one another by additional letters a, b, etc. These structural elements can then be referred to with or without additional letters, which is to be understood as referring to one structural element, any number of structural elements, or all structural elements.

[0053] 1 and 2 show a support body 1 which is formed in a first rough approximation in the shape of a square. The support body 1 has through-holes 2, 3 oriented transversely to the plane of the pliers head, through which retaining pegs 4, 5 extend (especially by means of a press fit), wherein the retaining pegs 4 and 5 protrude from the support body 1 at two end regions.

[0054] On its underside (which faces the die of the crimping pliers when installed), the support body 1 forms a large contact surface 6, opposite which projections 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d protrude in the corner regions. These projections 7 extend with their longitudinal axes parallel to the crimping axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 7 have a constant rectangular cross-section. The contact surface 6 of the support body 1 is essentially rectangular, but the corners of this rectangle have right-angled cutouts in the region of the projections 7.

[0055] The transmission element 8 is designed here as a transmission plate 9. The geometry of the transmission plate 9 essentially corresponds to that of the contact surface 6 of the support element 1. However, when the transmission plate 9 is inserted into the support element 1 between the projections 7, a certain gap is formed between the right-angled corner cutouts 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d of the transmission plate 9 and the projections 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d of the support element 1. In the assembled state, the transmission plate 9 is guided in a floating manner between the projections 7 of the support element 1, thereby enabling relative movement in the direction of the crimping axis. This relative movement is guided by a transverse force acting transversely to the crimping axis (after overcoming the small gap).

[0056] The conductor 11 (which may be a conductor strip) is formed with two elongated legs 12, 13, in the region of which the conductor 11 may have a slightly varying width. In a top view of the conductor 11, the two legs 12, 13 are connected to each other by an angled portion 14 in their flattened state.

[0057] In the end region of the leg 12 facing away from the angled portion 14 , the leg 12 has a plug 15 .

[0058] Leg 13 of conductor 11 has two thin film regions 16, shown hatched in FIG. In this description, the individual thin film regions are distinguished from one another by the references "-1" or "-2," which also identify thin film regions 16-1, 16-2 and the corner cutouts 24 of piezoelectric films 18, 19. In thin film regions 16-1 and 16-2, conductor 11 forms or supports piezoelectric films 18, 19. Leg 13 of conductor 11 also has a folding region 17, which interconnects thin film regions 16-1, 16-2, and an electronics region 20, in which electronic components 21, in particular, an electronic control unit 22 and an electronic storage unit 23, are arranged.

[0059] The measurement signals provided by the piezo films 18 , 19 are processed and evaluated in the electronics area 20 by means of electronic components 21 , so that a calibrated or standardized crimping force signal can be transmitted to the plug 15 .

[0060] 1 , it can be seen that membrane region 16-1 and piezoelectric film 18 have angular cutouts 24a-1, 24b-1, 24c-1, and 24d-1, which correspond to angular cutouts 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d of transmission plate 9. The same applies to angular cutouts 24a-2, 24b-2, 24c-2, and 24d-2 of membrane region 16-2 and piezoelectric film 19.

[0061] As can be seen in FIG. 2 , for assembling the crimping force sensor, the conductor 11 is folded in the region of the folding region 17 transversely to the plane of extension of the conductor 11 and transversely to the longitudinal extension of the legs 13 , here bent by 180°, so that the two film regions 16 - 1 , 16 - 2 and the piezoelectric films 18 , 19 are sandwiched and overlapped.

[0062] The sides of film region 16-2 and piezoelectric film 19 facing contact surface 6 can be bonded to base surface 6, the two layers formed by film region 16 and piezoelectric films 18 and 19 can be bonded to each other, and transmission plate 9 can be bonded to film region 16-1 and piezoelectric film 18. The geometric shapes of base surface 6, film region 16, piezoelectric films 18 and 19, and transmission plate 9 ensure that the pressing force is fully transmitted via a surface that substantially corresponds to the area of ​​contact surface 6. Therefore, the pressing force is transmitted not only internally by protrusions 7 but also in the edge regions between adjacent protrusions 7.

[0063] It is possible for the conductor 11 to have any desired bend 25 when it is inserted into the crimping pliers.

[0064] FIG3 shows a crimping force sensor formed by a support body 1, a conductor 11 with piezoelectric films 18, 19, and a transmission plate 9, wherein the transmission plate 9 forms a contact surface 27 on the side facing away from the piezoelectric films 19, 18, against which the mold back 28 of the mold half 29 rests and is pressed with a crimping force.

[0065] FIG4 shows a crimping pliers 30. The crimping pliers 30 have a fixed jaw part 31. The fixed jaw part 31 has a fixed hand lever 32 and a fixed jaw claw 33. A movable jaw part 35 with a movable jaw 36 is supported on the fixed jaw part 31 via a pivot bearing 34 (see FIG6 ). A hand lever 38 is pivotably supported on the fixed jaw part 31 in a pivot bearing 37. The curved portion of the hand lever 38 forms a first elbow lever 39 in the area of ​​the pivot bearing 37. The elbow lever 39 is pivotably connected to a second elbow lever 41 designed as a pressure lever via a toggle 40. The end area of ​​the second elbow lever 41 facing away from the toggle 40 is supported on the fixed jaw part 31 via a pivot bearing 42.

[0066] In the closed position of the crimping pliers 30 according to FIG4 , the thus formed toggle lever mechanism 43 is in the extended position, so that the opening angle of the two toggle levers 39 , 41 approaches the extended position (in particular 170° to 180° or 175° to 179°). Conversely, the opening angle of the toggle levers 39 , 41 is reduced for opening the crimping pliers.

[0067] As an optional feature, the crimping pliers 30 has a third lever 44. With regard to the function of this third lever 44 and its integration into the crimping pliers 30 and the expansion function provided by means of this third lever 44 as well as the different springs used, reference is made to EP 3 614 507 B1, which in this respect is the subject of the present patent application.

[0068] In the embodiment shown, the movable jaw part 35 is formed by a basic body and an L-shaped jaw part 45 , with regard to which reference is made to document EP 3 553 900 B1, which in this respect forms the subject of the present patent application.

[0069] An electronics unit 47 is located in the area of ​​the pliers head 46 (formed by the crimping pliers 30 distal from the handles 32, 38), specifically between the handles 32, 36 and the jaws 33, 36. This electronics unit 47 surrounds a mechanical pliers part 48, which has the elements for the mechanical structure of the crimping pliers, at least over a portion of its circumference, particularly in a U-shaped or closed loop configuration. The electronics unit 47 includes a housing 49, preferably made of plastic, which is attached to the mechanical pliers part 48 and secured thereto, particularly while being sealed from the outside. The electronics are arranged in the interior space defined by the mechanical pliers 48 and the housing 49. For information on the electronics unit 47, particularly its shape, its connection to the mechanical pliers part 48, its functionality, control logic, integration into a display device, and / or the various displays generated by the electronics unit 47 on the display device 50, please refer to EP 3 572 188 B1, which is the subject of this patent application. The electronic unit 47 can be part of a network and communicate and exchange data with a computer unit, which can also, in some cases, communicate with a cloud-based computer unit via a public or encrypted network. In this regard, and with regard to the exchanged data, the evaluation of measurement signals, the provision of tool recommendations for different workpiece types, and / or the consideration of nominal force characteristic curves, reference is made to EP 3 656 504 A1, which is the subject of the present patent application in this respect. Within this framework, the identification of tool halves and / or workpiece types can also be detected by camera, as described, in particular, in EP 3 572 187 A2, which is the subject of the present patent application in this respect.

[0070] FIG4 also shows the integration of the crimping force sensor 26 into the pliers head 46. The fixed jaws 33 have a cover plate that delimits a receiving space 51 perpendicular to the plane of the pliers head according to FIG4. The receiving space 51 houses the transmission plate 9, the piezoelectric films 18 and 19, and the support body 1 held at the angled plate. The receiving space 51 is open toward the movable jaw 36, allowing the mold half 29 to be inserted into the receiving space 51 until the mold back 28 rests on the contact surface 27 of the transmission plate 9. In other directions, the receiving space 51 is generally closed by ribs or walls extending perpendicular to the plane of the pliers head according to FIG4. However, the receiving space 51 also has an outlet channel 52 bounded by ribs or walls that extends to the electronic component 47. The conductors 11, in this case the electronic region 20 of the legs 13, are arranged in the outlet channel 52. The longitudinal axis of the electronics area 20 thus extends approximately parallel (at an angle of less than 30°, less than 20°, or less than 10°) to the longitudinal axis of the crimping pliers 30. The widthwise or transverse direction of the legs 13 of the conductor 11 is perpendicular to the plane of the pliers head, i.e., perpendicular to the drawing plane according to FIG. 4 and to the plane in which the movable jaws 36 and the lever 38 are pivoted.

[0071] In FIG5 , the electronic component 47 is shown without the housing 49. Two printed circuit boards 53 and 54 can be seen here. These printed circuit boards 53 and 54 are connected to one another via connecting conductors 55 (in particular, connecting conductor strips). These connecting conductors 55 are arranged in an interior space delimited externally by the housing 49 and internally by the mechanical clamping part 48 and extend in a first, approximately U-shaped manner in the circumferential direction around the mechanical clamping part 49 in the cross section xz.

[0072] It can also be seen that the mechanical clamp part 48 has an opening 56, through which the legs 12 of the conductor 11 emerge from the mechanical clamp part 46 and the discharge channel 52. As shown in FIG. 5 , the plugs 15 of the legs 12 of the conductor 11 are then connected to the interface of the printed circuit board 54, so that the measurement signal or force signal can be transmitted from the crimping clamp force sensor 26 to the electronic structural unit 47.

[0073] The figures show a Cartesian coordinate system x, y, and z. In this coordinate system, the y coordinate corresponds (approximately) to the longitudinal axis of the crimping pliers 30, the x coordinate corresponds to the transverse axis oriented transversely to the plane of the pliers head, and the z axis corresponds to the height direction of the crimping pliers. The yz plane is oriented parallel to the plane of the pliers head, and the lever 38 and the movable jaw 36 are deflected in this plane. The legs 13 of the conductor 11 extend with their main extension plane parallel to the xy plane, while the longitudinal axis of the legs 13 extends in the yz plane, preferably approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis y. In the region of the bend 14 or at the beginning of the legs 12, in the installed state, the conductor 11 is provided with a bend or fold 57, so that the legs 12 extend out of the opening 56 in the z direction. By further folds or bends, the legs 12 follow the outer contour of the mechanical pliers 48 to the printed circuit board 54. 5, the width or transverse extension of the legs 12 extends parallel to the y-axis or longitudinal axis, while the longitudinal extension of the legs 12 roughly corresponds to an inverted U extension in the XZ plane.

[0074] As can be seen in FIG. 6 , the printed circuit board 53 has a display device 50 .

[0075] FIG. 7 shows the electronic component 47 equipped with a housing 49 , which here has two half-shells 58 a, 58 b which surround the mechanical gripper part 48 in an annular manner.

[0076] As can be seen in FIG8 , the crimping pliers 30 also have a displacement sensor 59. In this case, the second toggle 41 or the toggle 40 carries a first displacement sensor element, while the plate 54 carries a second displacement sensor element. The displacement sensor 59 detects the relative movement of the two displacement sensor elements over the crimping stroke.

[0077] The retaining bolts 4 , 5 form a fastening region 60 , by means of which the support body 1 is fastened pivotably or rigidly to the fixed jaw part 31 .

[0078] The corner cutouts 10 , 24 form recesses 61 , 62 .

[0079] Electronics unit 47 can include an electronic control unit, input elements (such as switches, buttons, etc.), output elements or displays, lighting, acoustic output elements, or sensors. This sensor is, in particular, a displacement sensor 59. In the illustrated embodiment, displacement sensor 59 comprises a first sensor element arranged on the printed circuit board of electronics unit 47 and a second sensor element held on toggle lever 41. In this case, displacement sensor 59 detects the relative movement of these sensor elements over the crimping stroke. Preferably, (parts of) printed circuit boards 53 and 54 are arranged on opposite sides of the mechanical clamp part, respectively, and can then be connected to each other via connecting conductors 55.

[0080] Electronics unit 47 can have two half-shell housing parts that, in the assembled state, extend in a closed, annular manner in the circumferential direction around the mechanical gripper part. Housing 49 of electronics unit 47 can have a light-transmissive or partially light-transmissive subregion. In this case, an illuminator can be arranged inside housing 49 and arranged and oriented such that light emitted by the illuminator strikes the light-transmissive or partially light-transmissive subregion and at least partially penetrates it. The electronic control unit may have a control logic that evaluates the charge state of the battery or storage battery, determines or evaluates the number of work strokes performed, evaluates the crimping process performed with the crimping pliers, and can store data. In standby mode, a ready mode can be activated when the movement of the crimping pliers is detected by an acceleration sensor. When it is detected that the crimping pliers have not been operated within a predetermined first time period or the crimping pliers have not moved within a predetermined second time period, the display or lighting is deactivated (wherein the first time period may be longer than the second time period), a wireless transmitting and / or receiving device is operated, the charge state of the battery or storage battery is indicated by means of the lighting, and the desired operation is achieved by applying operating parameters. The present invention relates to a device for crimping pliers, which detects the reaching of the closed position of the hand lever, controls a positioning function for positioning the crimping pliers, controls the theft protection of the crimping pliers by deactivating the crimping pliers, controls an acoustic output of the crimping pliers, implements an electronic insertion control for controlling the correct insertion of a workpiece into the pliers jaws, and / or generates a display on a display device, which may include the name or logo of the manufacturer, owner, or user, the charge state of the battery or accumulator, the measured crimping force or measured crimping distance or their curve, the number of working strokes performed, the results of an evaluation of the crimping process performed with the crimping pliers, and / or an indication of or relating to the required maintenance of the crimping pliers. With regard to the design of the electronic structural unit, its interaction with the mechanical jaws of the crimping pliers, and the functions ensured by the electronic structural unit, reference is made to EP 3 572 188, which is the subject of the present patent application.

[0081] Furthermore, it is possible for the crimping pliers to communicate wirelessly via the electronic component with an external electronic control unit (in particular, a smartphone or computer in the working environment of the crimping pliers). Furthermore, it is possible for the external electronic control unit to communicate with a cloud storage device. These communication paths can be used, in particular, to record the crimping process, the dies used, the crimping force curve and / or the crimping distance, the number of crimping strokes performed by the crimping pliers or dies, etc.

[0082] It is also possible that the electronic construction unit or the crimping pliers include a detection device configured to detect the identification of the mold half. The detection device can be arranged adjacent to the mold half. The detection device can be a reader for optically coded identification of the mold half, a mechanical scanner for the mechanical contact profile of the mold half, a receiving unit for receiving identification from an RFID unit on the mold half, or a detection device for identification using inductive coupling between the mold half and the detection device. The identification of the mold half can be a type identification of the mold half, a unique identification of the mold half, and / or an authentication of the mold half. After detecting the identification of the mold half, it is possible to create a list of workpieces that can be crimped using the detected mold half via the aforementioned communication pathway, where these workpiece types can then be displayed on a display of the crimping pliers or on an external electronic control unit. It is also possible that, in addition to detecting the mold half by identification, the workpiece type can also be detected, for example, by image recognition based on camera images. In this case, the electronic structural unit 47 and / or the control logic of the external electronic control unit can be used to check whether the detected mold half is suitable for crimping the identified type of workpiece. This can then be made known to the user optically or acoustically on the crimping pliers or the external electronic control unit. With regard to this and other design possibilities for the detection device for mold half identification, the communication between the crimping pliers and the external electronic control unit, and in some cases, the communication between the external electronic control unit and a cloud storage device, as well as the possibility of evaluating and determining the appropriate combination of mold half and workpiece, please refer to Patent Document 3 656 504 B1, which is the subject of this patent application.

[0083] 1: Support body 2: Through hole 3:Through hole 4: Keep the plug 5: Keep the plug 6: Contact surface 7:convex part 8: Transfersome 9: Transfer board 10: Corner cut 11: Conductor 12: Legs 13: Legs 14: Corner 15: Plug 16: Film area 17: Folding area 18: Piezoelectric film 19: Piezoelectric film 20: Electronics Area 21: Electronic components 22: Electronic Control Unit 23: Electronic storage unit 24: Corner cut 25: bending part 26: Crimping pliers-force sensor 27: Contact surface 28:Mold back 29: Half mold 30: Crimping pliers 31: Fixed clamp part 32: Fixed hand lever 33: Fixed claw 34: Pivot bearing 35: Moving clamp part 36: Moving claw 37: Pivot bearing 38: Hand lever 39: First elbow 40: Toggle 41: Second elbow 42: Pivot bearing 43: Knuckle transmission 44: Third hand 45: claw part 46: Clamp head 47: Electronic structural unit 48: Mechanical clamp part 49: Shell 50: Display device 51: Accommodation space 52: discharge channel 53:Printed Circuit Board 54:Printed Circuit Board 55: Connecting conductor 56: Opening 57: folding part, bending part 58: Half Shell 59: Displacement sensor 60: Fixed area 61: concave part 62: Recess

Claims

1. A crimping clamp-force sensor (26), comprising: a) a transfer body (8) having a contact surface (27) for a mold back (28) of a half mold (29); b) a support body (1) having a fixing region (60) for fixing the support body (1) to a clamping portion (31) of a crimping clamp (30); c) at least one piezoelectric film (18, 19) arranged between the transfer body (8) and the support body (1), characterized in that: d) the transfer body (8) and the support body (1) have a protrusion (7) and a recess (61), the protrusion extending parallel to the crimping axis with its longitudinal axis, the recess ensuring guidance between the transfer body (8) and the support body (1), and by means of the recess, da) the transfer body (8) and the support body (1) being guided in a transverse plane transverse to the crimping force orientation, and db) providing a degree of freedom for the relative movement of the transfer body (8) and the support body (1) in the crimping force direction.

2. The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) according to claim 1, wherein, a) The support (1) has a protrusion (7) oriented in the direction of the pressing force; and b) The transfer body (8) is formed as a transfer plate (9) with a recess (61).

3. The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) according to claim 1, wherein, a) The support (1) has a protrusion (7) oriented in the direction of the pressing force, the protrusion having a rectangular cross-section; and b) The transfer body (8) is formed as a transfer plate (9) with a recess (61), wherein the recess (61) is formed as a rectangular corner cut (10) at the corner of the rectangular transfer plate (8).

4. The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one piezoelectric film (18, 19) has a recess (62) or a corner cut, through which the protrusion (7) of the transfer body (8) or support (1) extends into the recess (61) of the support (1) or transfer body (8).

5. The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, A flexible conductor (11) is present, on which at least one piezoelectric film (18, 19) is arranged.

6. The pressure sensor (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The flexible conductor (11) has an electronic control unit (22) that evaluates the measurement signals of the at least one piezoelectric film (18, 19).

7. The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The flexible conductor (11) is connected to the plug (15).

8. The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) according to claim 6, wherein, The flexible conductor (11) is connected to the plug (15).

9. The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The flexible conductor (11) has a first leg (13) and a second leg (12), which are connected to each other by a bend (14).

10. The crimping clamp-force sensor (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The flexible conductor (11) has a first leg (13) and a second leg (12) connected to each other by a bend (14), wherein a) at least one piezoelectric film (18, 19), an electronic control unit (22) and / or a storage unit (23) are arranged in the region of the first leg (13); and / or b) a plug (15) is arranged in the end region of the second leg (12) away from the bend (14).

11. A crimping pliers (30) having a crimping pliers-force sensor (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: a) the crimping pliers (30) has a fixed clamp portion (31) having a fixed handle (32); b) the support (1) is held on the fixed clamp portion (31); c) an elbow lever drive (43) is present, which is supported on the fixed clamp portion (31); and d) a movable lever (38) is connected to the movable jaw (36) by means of the elbow lever drive (43).

12. The crimping pliers (30) according to claim 11, wherein, a) A flexible conductor (11) is present, on or in which at least one piezoelectric film (18, 19) is arranged; b) The flexible conductor (11) has a first leg (13) and a second leg (12) which are connected to each other by a bend (14); c) The longitudinal axis of the first leg (13) of the conductor (11) extends in the longitudinal plane (yz plane) of the crimping clamp (30); and d) The curved longitudinal axis of the second leg (12) of the conductor (11) extends in the transverse plane (xz plane) of the crimping clamp (30) and around the clamp portion (31).

13. The crimping pliers (30) according to claim 12, wherein, a) The crimping clamp (30) has an electronic structure unit (47); b) The electronic structure unit (47) has two printed circuit boards (53, 54); c) The printed circuit boards (53, 54) are arranged on different sides of the jaws of the crimping clamp (30); d) The printed circuit boards (53, 54) are interconnected by a connecting conductor (55); and e) The connecting conductor (55) and the second leg (12) of the conductor (11) extend around the fixed clamp portion (31) in a parallel transverse plane (xz plane) of the crimping clamp (30).

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