Cable continuity test apparatus and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of cable processing, and in particular to a cable continuity test apparatus, comprising: a cable clamping assembly, wherein the cable clamping assembly comprises clamping claws, and the clamping claws are used for clamping a cable jacket; and a test assembly arranged opposite to a clamping center of the cable clamping assembly, wherein the test assembly comprises two first test clamps, two second test clamps and two third test clamps; the first test clamps are cylindrical and are used for clamping a shielding layer; the second test clamps and the third test clamps are sheet-shaped, and the end of each of the second test clamps and the third test clamps facing the cable is provided with a semicircular recess; two sets of the semicircular recesses are respectively used for clamping an insulating layer and a central conductor of the cable; a circle formed by combining the two semicircular recesses of the second test clamps is adapted to the outer diameter of the insulating layer, and the two second test clamps are conductors; when an insulator is clamped in place, the two second test clamps can be electrically connected; and the first test clamps, the second test clamps, and the third test clamps are further used for power-on test between every two test clamps.

Description

A cable continuity / open circuit detection device and method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cable processing technology, and in particular to a cable continuity / opening detection device and method. Background Technology

[0002] As shown in Figure 1, a cable is typically composed of an outer sheath 01, a shielding layer 02, an insulation layer 03, and a central conductor 04. If at least one layer of the cable has a quality problem, and the cable harness has already been applied in medical, transportation, and other fields, a serious fault will occur when a fault occurs, and it will be difficult to troubleshoot. Therefore, the cable should be inspected for quality.

[0003] In related technologies, the detection of cable insulation is usually carried out by a visual inspection mechanism. The cable is held in place and visually identified to determine whether the cable's conductivity and other properties are good.

[0004] However, the above methods have problems such as insufficient accuracy and low efficiency in detecting cable quality. The accuracy of the cable clamping position is required when detecting cables. It is difficult to determine whether the cable is in the area to be detected during the detection process, resulting in inaccurate detection accuracy. Furthermore, visual inspection is prone to errors in judgment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of at least one of the above technical problems, the present invention provides a cable continuity detection device and method, which uses a first detection clamp, a second detection clamp, and a third detection clamp to perform position detection and power-on detection to ensure that the cable continuity is detected when the cable is in position.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cable continuity / discontinuity detection device is provided, comprising:

[0007] A cable clamping assembly, the cable clamping assembly including clamping claws for clamping the outer sheath of a cable;

[0008] The detection component is disposed opposite to the clamping center of the cable clamping component. The detection component includes two first detection clips, a second detection clip, and a third detection clip. The first detection clip is a column for clamping the shielding layer. The second and third detection clips are sheet-like, and each of the second and third detection clips has a semi-circular groove at the end facing the cable. The two sets of semi-circular grooves are respectively used to clamp the insulation layer and the center conductor of the cable.

[0009] The circle formed by the two semi-circular grooves of the second detection clamp is adapted to the outer diameter of the insulating layer, and the two second detection clamps are conductors. When the insulating layer is clamped in place, the two second detection clamps can be electrically connected. The first detection clamp, the second detection clamp, and the third detection clamp are also used for electrical connection detection between each other.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping surface of the clamping claw has a 90-degree angle structure, and the clamping claw rotates from its initial position toward the cable on a plane perpendicular to the cable, and the stroke terminates after clamping the cable.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the two clamping claws have a plurality of meshing teeth, and the two clamping claws have clamping wire holes for cables to pass through, the shape of the clamping wire holes corresponding to the shape of the cables.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cable continuity detection device further includes a first back plate, the cable clamping assembly further includes a clamping arm, the clamping claw is fixedly connected to the clamping arm, and the clamping arm is movably fixedly connected to the first back plate.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the detection component includes a driving member and two sliding plates connected to the driving member. The first detection clamp, the second detection clamp, and the third detection clamp are all fixed on the sliding plates. The driving member is used to drive the two sliding plates to be fixedly connected. The driving member drives the first detection clamp, the second detection clamp, and the third detection clamp to move in the horizontal direction toward or away from the wire harness.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cable continuity detection device includes a second back plate, the second back plate and the driving member are connected to the first back plate through a detection member slide rail, and the first back plate is slidably connected to it in the vertical direction. An electric push rod is provided on the back of the first back plate, the electric push rod includes a movable rod connected to the second back plate, the movable rod is fixedly connected to the driving member, and the electric push rod pushes the movable rod to move, thereby pushing the driving member to drive the second back plate to move in the vertical direction.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, at least one set of the first detection clip, the second detection clip, and the third detection clip is provided on the second back plate.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the driving component is a cylinder gripper, and the two ends of the cylinder gripper are respectively fixedly connected to the two sliding plates.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the third detection clamp has interlocking teeth.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for detecting cable continuity / discontinuity is also provided, which utilizes the cable continuity / discontinuity detection device as described in the first aspect, and includes the following steps:

[0019] Move the cable to the clamping center of the detection component, and clamp the outer sheath of the cable to be tested by the clamping component;

[0020] The closed detection assembly allows the first detection clip to hold the cable shielding layer, the second detection clip to hold the insulation layer, and the third detection clip to hold the center conductor.

[0021] Power on the second detection clamp and determine whether there is a connection between the two second detection clamps. If there is no connection, issue an alarm for incomplete clamping. If there is a connection, continue the detection process.

[0022] Power-on tests are performed between each pair of the first, second, and third detection clips. If a short circuit occurs between any two pairs, an alarm for shielding mesh overlap is triggered.

[0023] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention uses the semi-circular grooves in the second detection clamp to form a circle that matches the outer diameter of the insulation layer, thereby detecting the electrical conductivity between the second detection clamps and determining whether the insulation layer is clamped in place; compared with the prior art, it ensures that the insulation layer is in place and that the cable is clamped in the corresponding layer when detecting the cable wrapping condition. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cable to be tested in the background art of this invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the cable continuity detection device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a partial enlarged view of point A in Figure 2 in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cable clamping assembly in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the clamping claw in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the cable continuity detection device in an embodiment of the present invention from another perspective.

[0031] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of the cable continuity detection device from the rear view in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 is a partial enlarged view of point B in Figure 5 in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the detection component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the cable continuity detection method in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 is a structural diagram showing the shielding wire in the shielding layer overlapping the insulating layer and the central conductor in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Cable clamping assembly; 11. Clamping claw; 11a. Second wire hole; 12. Clamping arm; 2. Detection assembly; 21. First detection clamp; 22. Second detection clamp; 23. Third detection clamp; 24. Driving component; 24a. Cylinder clamp; 24b. Sliding plate; 3. First back plate; 31. Electric push rod; 4. Second back plate; 01. Outer sheath; 02. Shielding layer; 03. Insulation layer; 04. Center conductor. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0038] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" another element, it can be directly attached to the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0040] The cable continuity detection device shown in Figures 2 to 9 and Figure 11 includes: a cable clamping assembly 1 and a detection assembly 2;

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 3-4, the cable clamping assembly 1 includes clamping claws 11 for clamping the cable sheath 01. By setting the clamping claws 11, the cable sheath 01 can be clamped and fixed automatically, providing conditions for the cable to be in position, allowing the cable to be inspected while fixed. It should be noted that the clamping claws 11 can perform the clamping action mechanically or electrically, and the specific structural form of the clamping claws 11 can be set by those skilled in the art according to their needs.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2-3, the detection component 2 is positioned opposite to the clamping center of the cable clamping component 1, and includes two first detection clamps 21, a second detection clamp 22, and a third detection clamp 23. The first detection clamp 21 is a column used to clamp the shielding layer 02. The second detection clamps 22 and 23 are sheet-like, and each of the second detection clamps 22 and 23 has a semi-circular groove at the end facing the cable. The two sets of semi-circular grooves are used to clamp the insulation layer 03 and the center conductor 04 of the cable, respectively. During detection, when the groove is completely in contact with the cable and the two second detection clamps 22 are in contact, or Only when the two third detection clips 23 are in complete contact can the two second detection clips 22 or the two third detection clips conduct electricity, indicating that the cable is clamped in place. The first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 are plate-shaped, which makes it easy to replace when wear or other faults occur, reducing maintenance and replacement costs. In addition, the easy replacement of the first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 allows for adjustment of the semi-circular groove diameter, making the cable switching device suitable for more cables.

[0043] Referring to Figures 2-3 and 11, the circle formed by the merging of the two semi-circular grooves of the second detection clip 22 is adapted to the outer diameter of the insulation layer 03, and the two second detection clips are conductors. When the insulation layer 03 is clamped in place, the two second detection clips 22 are electrically conductive. The first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 are also used for pairwise electrical conduction detection. The specific detection process is as follows: the cable clamping assembly 1 clamps the middle section of the cable sheath 01, keeping the cable in a horizontal position during detection. The second detection clip 22 clamps the insulation layer 03 of the cable. If the clamping is not in place, the insulation layer 03 is not in the groove and does not adhere to the groove, then the two second detection clips 22 do not contact each other. At this time, the second detection clips 22 cannot be connected after being energized, indicating that the clamping position is incorrect, an alarm is issued, and then a short circuit test is performed to determine whether the shielding layer 02 is connected to the insulation layer 03 or the center conductor 04. As shown in Figure 11, when the shielding wire is connected to the insulation layer 03 and the center conductor 04, the first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 can all be energized. For example, if the first detection clip 21 and the second detection clip 22 are energized, or the first detection clip 21 and the third detection clip 23 are energized, or the second detection clip 22 and the third detection clip 23 are energized, then the wire on the shielding layer 02 has been connected to the insulation layer 03 or the center conductor 04. At this time, the cable quality is determined to be unqualified, and an alarm for shielding mesh connection is issued. To avoid the following situations, it is necessary to inspect the shielding layer 02: When the wires of the shielding layer 02 overlap with the insulation layer 03, it may damage the integrity of the insulation layer 03, leading to a decrease in insulation performance. This can make the cable more prone to leakage or breakdown, increasing the risk of electrical accidents. When the wires of the shielding layer 02 overlap with the insulation layer 03 or the center conductor 04, it may disrupt the continuity of the shielding layer 02. If the wires of the shielding layer 02 overlap with the center conductor 04, it may form a short circuit. Under excessive current, this short circuit may cause the cable to overheat, burn out, or even cause a fire. By setting the first detection clamp 21, the second detection clamp 22, and the third detection clamp 23 of the cable clamping assembly 1, it is possible to ensure that the cable is clamped in the set position during inspection, thereby accurately detecting the overlap of the shielding wires in the shielding layer 02. This improves both the inspection accuracy and the efficiency of cable quality inspection.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 4-5, the clamping surface of the clamping claw 11 has a 90-degree angle structure. The clamping claw 11 rotates from its initial position toward the cable on a plane perpendicular to the cable, and the stroke terminates after clamping the cable. For example, when the cable moves into the cable continuity detection device, the clamping claw 11 rotates from its initial position toward the cable. The rotation trajectory of the clamping claw 11 is arc-shaped, and the plane containing the arc is perpendicular to the cable. The clamping claw 11 clamps the cable and keeps it stationary, providing stable detection conditions for cable detection. It should be noted that the clamping claw 11 has a certain clamping force, which prevents the cable from deforming when clamping it and ensures that the cable remains stationary.

[0045] To further ensure cable quality and improve the accuracy of cable quality inspection, in some embodiments of the present invention, referring to Figures 4-5, the clamping claws 11 have multiple meshing teeth, and two clamping claws 11 have clamping wire holes 11a for the cable to pass through. The shape of the clamping wire holes 11a corresponds to the shape of the cable. Using a circular shape that matches the cable allows the clamping claws 11 to fit tightly against the cable shape, preventing the cable from slipping or falling off during inspection, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of clamping and avoiding excessive compression or damage to the cable. Furthermore, the clamping claws 11 are individual, rotatable structures connected by bolts or screws, making claw replacement convenient. The easily replaceable clamping claws 11 can have clamping wire holes 11a of different diameters, allowing the device to be adapted to cables of more sizes.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 5-7, the cable continuity detection device further includes a first back plate 3, and the cable clamping assembly 1 further includes a clamping arm 12. A clamping claw 11 is fixedly connected to the clamping arm 12, and the clamping arm 12 is fixedly connected to the back plate 3. It should be noted that the clamping arm 12 and the clamping claw 11, or the clamping arm 12 and the back plate 3, can be fixed by bolts, welding, splicing, etc. The movement of the clamping arm 12 causes the clamping claw 11 to move as a whole, and the clamping claw 11 then individually clamps the cable. This arrangement allows for more precise adjustment of the position of the clamping claw 11, resulting in more accurate cable positioning and improved cable quality detection accuracy.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 5-8, the detection assembly includes a driving member 24 and two sliding plates 24b connected to the driving member 24. A first detection clamp 21, a second detection clamp 22, and a third detection clamp 23 are all fixed to the sliding plates 24b. The driving member 24 drives the two sliding plates 24b to move horizontally toward or away from the cable harness. The driving member 24 ensures a stable connection between the first detection clamp 21, the second detection clamp 22, the third detection clamp 23 and the driving member 24. Furthermore, by being fixed to the two sliding plates 24b, the first detection clamp 21, the second detection clamp 22, and the third detection clamp 23 can move horizontally toward the cable at the same height. This further ensures that the semi-circular grooves between the opposing second detection clamps 22 and third detection clamp 23 can respectively form a circular hole corresponding to the shape of the cable insulation layer 03 and the central conductor 04, thereby ensuring the accuracy of cable quality detection.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 6-9, the cable continuity detection device includes a second back plate 4, which is slidably connected to the first back plate 3 in the vertical direction. An electric push rod 31 is provided on the back of the first back plate 3, connected to the second back plate 4, driving the second back plate 4 to move in the vertical direction. The sliding connection provides a stable movement path for the driving component, ensuring its smoothness and accuracy during movement. The electric push rod 31a drives an internal mechanical structure, such as a lead screw, via a motor, causing the second back plate 4 to move linearly in the vertical direction. The slidable connection between the second back plate 4 and the first back plate 3 in the vertical direction, and the electric push rod 31 driving the second back plate 4 to move in the vertical direction, allow the first detection clamp 21, the second detection clamp 22, and the third detection clamp 23 to be accurately positioned in three-dimensional space.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in Figures 6-9, at least one set of the first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 is provided on the second back plate 4. Providing multiple sets of the first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 in the vertical direction of the second back plate 4 enables the device to simultaneously detect multiple cables of different heights, improving detection efficiency. Providing two or more sets of the first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 in the vertical direction makes the device more flexible in use; if one set of the first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 malfunctions, other sets of the first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 can be used for detection. It should be noted that the first detection clip 21, the second detection clip 22, and the third detection clip 23 can be fixed to the second back plate 4 by welding, splicing, or bonding.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, referring to FIG9, the driving member 24 is a cylinder gripper 24a, and the two ends of the cylinder gripper 24a are respectively fixedly connected to two sliding plates 24b. The arrangement of the cylinder gripper 24a further ensures that the relative first detection clamp 21, second detection clamp 22, and third detection clamp 23 can move toward the cable along the same straight line on a plane perpendicular to the cable, so that the relative contact surfaces of the first detection clamp 21, second detection clamp 22, and third detection clamp 23 can make accurate contact, which can further ensure the accuracy of cable quality detection.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, the third detection clip 23 has interlocking teeth. Through these interlocking teeth, current can be conducted only when the two opposing third detection clips 23 come into contact, ensuring that the center conductor 04 is in the groove and confirming the correct cable clamping position.

[0052] Referring to Figure 10, the present invention also provides a method for detecting cable continuity / discontinuity, comprising the following steps:

[0053] S10: Move the cable to the clamping center of the detection component and clamp the outer sheath of the cable to be tested by the clamping component;

[0054] S20: Close the detection assembly so that the first detection clip holds the cable shielding layer, the second detection clip holds the insulation layer, and the third detection clip holds the center conductor;

[0055] S30: Check whether there is continuity between the two second detection clips and the two third detection clips respectively;

[0056] S40: Power-on detection is performed between each pair of the first, second, and third detection clips. If a short circuit occurs between any two pairs, a shielding mesh overlap alarm is issued.

[0057] The detailed steps for detecting cable continuity have been given in the description of the cable continuity detection device above, and will not be repeated here.

[0058] Those skilled in the art should understand that this invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the invention as claimed. The scope of protection of this invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cable continuity / opening detection device, characterized in that, include: A cable clamping assembly, the cable clamping assembly including clamping claws for clamping the outer sheath of a cable; The detection component is disposed opposite to the clamping center of the cable clamping component. The detection component includes two first detection clips, a second detection clip, and a third detection clip. The first detection clip is a column for clamping the shielding layer. The second and third detection clips are sheet-like, and each of the second and third detection clips has a semi-circular groove at the end facing the cable. The two sets of semi-circular grooves are respectively used to clamp the insulation layer and the center conductor of the cable. The circle formed by the two semi-circular grooves of the second detection clamp is adapted to the outer diameter of the insulating layer, and the two second detection clamps are conductors. When the insulating layer is clamped in place, the two second detection clamps can be electrically connected. The first detection clamp, the second detection clamp, and the third detection clamp are also used for electrical connection detection between each other.

2. The cable continuity detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping surface of the clamping claw has a 90-degree angle structure. The clamping claw rotates from its initial position toward the cable on a plane perpendicular to the cable, and the stroke ends after clamping the cable.

3. The cable continuity / opening detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The two clamping jaws have multiple meshing teeth and clamping wire holes for cables to pass through, the shape of which corresponds to the shape of the cable.

4. The cable continuity detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cable continuity detection device further includes a first back plate, and the cable clamping assembly further includes a clamping arm. The clamping claw is fixedly connected to the clamping arm, and the clamping arm is fixedly connected to the first back plate.

5. The cable continuity detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection component includes a driving element and two sliding plates connected to the driving element. The first detection clamp, the second detection clamp, and the third detection clamp are all fixed on the sliding plates. The driving element is used to drive the two sliding plates to move in the horizontal direction toward or away from the wire harness.

6. The cable continuity detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cable continuity detection device includes a second back plate, which is slidably connected to the first back plate in the vertical direction. An electric push rod is provided on the back of the first back plate, which is connected to the second back plate and is used to drive the second back plate to move in the vertical direction.

7. The cable continuity detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one set of the first detection clip, the second detection clip, and the third detection clip is provided on the second back plate.

8. The cable continuity detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The driving component is a cylinder gripper, and the two ends of the cylinder gripper are respectively fixedly connected to the two sliding plates.

9. The cable continuity detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third detection clamp has interlocking teeth.

10. A method for detecting cable continuity or open circuit, characterized in that, The cable continuity / discontinuity detection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 comprises the following steps: Move the cable to the clamping center of the detection component, and clamp the outer sheath of the cable to be tested by the clamping component; The closed detection assembly allows the first detection clip to hold the cable shielding layer, the second detection clip to hold the insulation layer, and the third detection clip to hold the center conductor. Power on the second detection clamp and determine whether there is a connection between the two second detection clamps. If there is no connection, issue an alarm for incomplete clamping. If there is a connection, continue the detection process. Power-on tests are performed between each pair of the first, second, and third detection clips. If a short circuit occurs between any two pairs, an alarm for shielding mesh overlap is triggered.

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