Method and Device for Stripping a Cable, and System for Fabricating a Cable

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for stripping a clable (2), comprising a stripping apparatus (3) for cutting in and for pulling off a portion (4) of a cable component (13, 14, 15). The stripping apparatus (3) has a rotation head (5), which can be rotated about a central axis (M) and on which a blade (8, 8′) and a counter-holder (9) for the cable (2) are arranged opposite one another in such a way that the blade and the counter-holder are directed at the central art (M). The cable (2) is guided eking the central axis (M) in the stripping apparatus (3), and the blade (8, 8′) can be advanced toward the cable (2) in the direction toward the central axis (M) in order to produce a radial incision into cable component (13, 14, 15) of the cable (2) at a defined axial position. The stripping apparatus (3) has at least one pull-off tool (10.1, 10.2), which is arranged on the rotation head (5) and can advanced onto the cable (2) in the direction toward the central axis (M), the pull-off tool (10.1, 10.2) being positioned relative to the blade (8, 8′) in such a way that, in order to pull off the portion (4) of the cable component (13, 14, 15), the pull-off tool (10.1, 10.2) engages in the incision produced by the blade (8, 8′) when the pull-off tool (10.1, 10.2) is advanced onto the cable (2).

Claims

1. A device for stripping a cable, the device comprising a stripping assembly configured to cut into and pull off a portion of a cable component of a cable, wherein the stripping assembly includes a rotary head which is rotatable about a central axis (M) and on which a cutter and a cable counter holder are disposed opposite one another so as to be aligned toward the central axis (M), wherein the cable in the stripping assembly is guided along the central axis (M), wherein the cutter is configured to be actuated onto the cable in the direction of the central axis (M) so as to generate a radial incision in the cable component at a defined axial position, wherein the stripping assembly includes at least one pull-off tool which is disposed on the rotary head and in the direction of the central axis (M), the at least one pull off tool configured to be actuated onto the cable, and wherein the pull-off tool is positioned in such a manner in relation to the cutter that the at least one pull-off tool engages in the incision generated by the cutter to pull off the portion of the cable component.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutter and the at least one pull-off tool are disposed next to one another on the rotary head and spaced so as to be equidistant from an end side of the rotary head.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a transport assembly configured to convey the cable in a linear manner in an advancing direction (R) so as to actuate the cable along the central axis (M) into the stripping assembly.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary head has a disk shape, and wherein a belt drive is provided to rotate the rotary head.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutter is configured as one of a shaped cutter and a circular cutter.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable counter holder has one of (i) a bearing face that is adapted to the external diameter of the cable component and (ii) a conically tapering bearing face.

7. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable counter holder is configured to be actuated onto the cable in the direction of the central axis (M).

8. The device as claimed claim 1, wherein, to delimit a maximum depth of the radial incision into the cable component, one of (i) the cable counter holder is designed to configure a detent for the cutter and (ii) the cutter is designed to configure a detent for the cable.

9. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprises at least one of (i) a respective gate guide assembly, and (ii) a respective rail system, for actuating onto the cable at least one of (a) the cutter, (b) the cable counter holder, and (c) the at least one pull-off tool.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pull-off tool is configured as a shaped tool which is adapted to an internal diameter of the cable component.

11. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pull-off toll comprises a first pool-off tool and a second pull-off tool, wherein a first pull-off tool lies opposite the second pull-off tool, and wherein the first and second pull-off tools are aligned toward the central axis (M).

12. A method for stripping a cable using a stripping assembly that includes (i) a rotary head configured to rotate about a central axis (M), (ii) a cutter, and (iii) a cable counter holder being disposed opposite one another and aligned toward the central axis (M) on the rotary head, the method comprising the steps of: introducing a cable along the central axis (M) into the stripping assembly; actuating the cutter onto the cable in a direction toward the central axis (M) so as to generate a radial incision in a cable component of the cable at a defined axial position; actuating at least one pull-off tool onto the cable in the direction toward the central axis (M) so as to engage in the radial incision generated by the cutter; and using the at least one pull-off tool to at least partially pull off a portion of the cable component from the cable.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one pull-off tool engages in the incision generated by the cutter without the cable being repositioned in an axial direction.

14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the portion of the cable component is not completely severed as a result of the radial incision.

15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein, while the cutter generates the radial incision, the rotary head rotates to make the radial incision a radially encircling incision.

16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the rotary head is stationary while the portion of the cable component is pulled off by the at least one pull-off toot

17. The method as claimed in claim 12, further comprising the step of using a transport assembly to actuate the cable in a linear manner along the central axis (M) into the stripping assembly prior to generating the radial incision.

18. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the step of actuating the at least one pull-off tool includes activating the cable counter to an advancing direction (R) of the cable along the central axis (M), while the pull-off tool is engaged in the radial incision of the cable, such that the cable is at least partially extracted from the stripping assembly in order for the portion of the cable component to be pulled-off from the cable at least partially.

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. A system for fabricating an electric cable, the system comprising: a) a cable-stripping device comprising a stripping assembly configured to cut into and pull off a portion of a cable component, wherein the stripping assembly includes a rotary head which is rotatable about a central axis (M) and on which a cutter and a cable counter-holder are disposed opposite one another so as to be aligned toward the central axis (M), wherein the electric cable in the stripping assembly is guided along the central axis (M), wherein the cutter is configured to be actuated onto the electric cable in the direction of the central axis (M) so as to generate a radial incision in the cable component at a defined axial position, wherein the stripping assembly further includes at least one pull-off tool which is disposed on the rotary head and in the direction of the central axis (M), the at least one pull-off tool configured to be actuated onto the electric cable, and wherein the at least one pull-off tool is positioned in such a manner in relation to the cutter that the at least one pull-off tool engages in the incision generated by the cutter to pull off the portion of the cable component; and b) at least one cable-fabricating device that fabricates the electric cable independent of the cable-striping device.

22. The system-as claimed in claim 21, wherein the at least one cable-fabricating device is configured as at least one of (i) a cable alignment-and-orientation structure configured to align and orient the electric cable, (ii) a cable sheath-equipping structure comprising a component of an electric plug connector, (iii) a film-removal structure configured to remove a cable film from a front end of the electric cable, (iv) a sleeve-assembly structure configured to assemble a support sleeve on the front end of the electric cable, (v) a shield-processing structure configured to processing a braided cable shield of the electric cable, (vi) a housing-assembly structure configure to assemble a housing component of the electric plug connector, and (vii) a cleaning element configured to clean a set of particles from the front end of the electric cable.

Description

[0156] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference signs.

[0157] In the schematic figures:

[0158] FIG. 1 shows a device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0159] FIG. 2 shows the rotary head of the device according to FIG. 1 in a perspective view;

[0160] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary single-core electric cable having two portions which are to be stripped according to the invention;

[0161] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a method according to the invention for stripping an electric cable;

[0162] FIG. 5 shows a device according to the invention and according to a preferred embodiment in a perspective view;

[0163] FIG. 6 shows a rotary head having a circular cutter and a counter holder having a bearing face formed by rollers;

[0164] FIG. 7 shows a linear cutter having a straight cutting edge and a detent for the cable;

[0165] FIG. 8 shows a circular cutter having a detent for the cable; and

[0166] FIG. 9 shows a system for fabricating an electric cable having mutually independent modules.

[0167] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary device 1 according to the invention for stripping a cable 2, for example a coaxial cable shown in FIG. 3. The cable 2 to be processed is preferably a so-called continuous cable. FIG. 1 furthermore shows a stripping installation 3 for cutting into and pulling off a portion 4 of a cable component 13, 14, 15. FIG. 5 shows a device 1 according to a further preferred exemplary embodiment. By virtue of the similarities of the two exemplary embodiments, the latter are conjointly described hereunder.

[0168] The stripping installation 3 has a rotary head 5 which is rotatable about a central axis M and which for clarification is illustrated so as to be enlarged in fragments in FIG. 2. The rotary head 5 is configured as a disk, wherein a belt drive 6 is provided for rotating the rotary head 5 (cf, FIG. 2).

[0169] In order for the cable 2 to be introduced along the central axis M into the stripping 1.sup.,3 installation 3, the exemplary device 1 illustrated in each case in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5 has a transport installation 7 for conveying the cable 2 in a linear manner along an advancing direction R. The transport installation 7 is composed of two transport units 7.1, 7.2 which are separated in the advancing direction R. Additionally, one or a plurality of further transport units can also be positioned in the advancing direction R in front of is the rotary head 5 so as to push the cable 2 forward. The rotary head 5 can be disposed behind the transport units 7.1, 7.2, as is illustrated in FIG. 1, in particular when the cable 2 has already been previously trimmed to length and for stripping a cable component 13, 14, 15 is fed to the rotary head 5 by way of the end of said cable 2 to be processed. However, the rotary head 5 can preferably be disposed between the transport units 7.1, 7.2, as is illustrated in FIG. 5. The cable 2 in this instance can advantageously first be trimmed to length and subsequently stripped.

[0170] Alternatively or additionally to the transport installation 7, it can also be provided that an operator moves the cable 2 in a corresponding manner.

[0171] A cutter 8 and a counter holder 9 for the cable 2 are disposed on the rotary head 5 so as to be mutually opposite and aligned toward the central axis M (cf. in particular FIG. 2 and FIG. 6). The cutter 8 in the direction toward the central axis M is able to be actuated onto the cable 2 so as to at a defined axial position generate a radial incision in the cable component 13, 14, 15 of the cable 2. The rotary head 5 in FIG. 5 is illustrated only in a simplified manner, according to which only the cutter 8 is shown so as to be assembled on the rotary head 5.

[0172] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2 the cutter 8 is configured as a shaped cutter. In principle however, the cutter 8 can have an arbitrary cutting edge. For example, the cutter 8 can also have a linear construction, or a straight cutting edge, respectively, as is illustrated in FIG. 7. Furthermore, a circular cutter 8′ can be provided (cf. FIG. 8). The circular cutter 8′ can in particular be without a drive and be mounted so as to be freely rotatable in order to be able to roll on the cable 2 while rotating about the cable 2.

[0173] The counter holder 9 configures a bearing face which is adapted to the external diameter of the cable component 13, 14, 15. In principle, the counter holder 9 can configure an arbitrary bearing face, in particular a tapered bearing face, for example a V-shaped bearing face or a bearing face formed by rollers (cf. counter holder 9 of FIG. 6). The counter holder 9 in the exemplary embodiment, in the direction toward the central axis M is likewise able to be actuated onto the cable 2. In principle however, the counter holder 9 can also be disposed so as to be immovable on the rotary head 5.

[0174] In order for a cutting depth delimitation to be configured the counter holder 9 can be configured in such a manner that the latter configures a detent for the cutter 8, 8′. The maximum depth T of the radial incision in the cable component 13, 14, 15 can be delimited as a result, and damage to further components of the cable 2 that are situated below the cable component 13, 14, 15 can be prevented. Alternatively or additionally, the cutter 8, 8′ per se can also have or configure, respectively, a detent for the cable 2 in order for the cutting depth to be delimited. Illustrated in an exemplary manner in FIG. 8 is a linear cutter 8, wherein the cutting edge is assembled in a cutter receptacle in such a manner that the cutter receptacle, or the cutter 8, respectively, configures a detent which in a form-fitting manner predefines a maximum depth T for the incision. A circular cutter 8′ can also have a detent, as is illustrated in an exemplary manner in FIG. 8. The circular cutter 8′ according to FIG. 8 to this end has a cylindrical detent A, the radius of the latter being smaller than the radius of the cutting edge in order to predefine the maximum depth T for the incision.

[0175] In principle, it can be provided that the cutter 8 does not completely sever the cable component 13, 14, 15 or the portion 4, respectively, and leaves behind individual webs or a radial inner ring, for example. The portion 4, as a result of the radial incision, can thus optionally at first not be completely severed.

[0176] The rotary head 5 (cf. FIG. 2) preferably rotates while the cutter 8, 8′ generates the incision, so as to generate an incision which in radial terms is completely encircling.

[0177] It is provided that the stripping installation 3 has at least one pull-off tool 10.1, 10.2 which is disposed on the rotary head 5 and in the direction of the central axis M able to be actuated onto the cable 2, wherein the at least one pull-off tool 10.1, 10.2 in relation to the cutter 8, 8′ is positioned in such a manner that the at least one pull-off tool 10.1, 10.2 for puffing off the portion 4 of the cable component 13, 14, 15 engages in the incision generated by the cutter 8, 8′ when the at least one pull-off tool 10.1, 10,2 is actuated onto the cable 2.

[0178] Two pull-off tools 10.1, 10.2 are preferably provided, as is illustrated in the exemplary embodiment. A first pull-off tool 10.1 and a second pull-off tool 10.2 here are disposed opposite one another and in each case aligned toward the central axis M. The two pull-off tools 10,1, 10.2 are particularly preferably disposed so as to be offset from the cutter 8, 8′ and the counter holder 9 by 90 degrees. In principle however, the two pull-off tools 10.1, 10.2 can be disposed at any arbitrary angle in relation to the alignment of the cutter 8, 8′ and the counter holder 9.

[0179] In a manner similar to that of the cutter 8, 8′ the pull-off tools 10.1, 10.2 can also be configured as shaped tools, in particular so as to be adapted to the internal diameter of the cable component 13, 14, 15.

[0180] The pull-off tools 10.1, 10,2, the cutter 8, 8′ and the counter holder 9 are disposed next to one another on the rotary head 5 and in each case spaced so as to be equidistant from an end side 5.1 of the rotary head 5 so as to in a radial actuation run in each case toward the same axial point on the central axis M, as is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 2.

[0181] In order for the cutter 8, 8′, the counter holder 9 and/or the at least one pull-off tool 10.1, 10.2 to be actuated onto the cable 2, a respective gate guide installation (not illustrated in more detail) can be provided. However, a rail system can also be provided. Corresponding rails 11 are indicated on the rotary head 5 in FIG. 2.

[0182] The rotary head 5 is preferably stationary while the portion 4 is pulled off by the at least one pull-off tool 10.1, 10.2. In order for the portion 4 to be pulled off, the cable 2, upon the actuation of the pull-off tools 10.1, 10,2, counter to the advancing direction R along the central axis M, can at least be partially extracted from the stripping installation 3 again in order for the portion 4 to be at least partially pulled off (partial pulling off) or completely pulled off (complete pulling off) from the cable 2.

[0183] A computer program product having program code means for executing a corresponding method for stripping the cable 2 on a control installation 12 of the device 1 can be provided. The control installation 12 is indicated in FIG. 2 and is in particular able to control the belt drive 6 for driving the rotary head 5 as well as the actuators for actuating the cutter 8, 8′, the counter holder 9 and/or the pull-off tools 10.1, 10.2 when required.

[0184] In principle, the device 1 according to the invention can be able to be advantageously used for stripping arbitrary cable components 13, 14, 15 of arbitrary cable types. An exemplary electric cable 2 is shown in an embodiment as a coaxial cable in FIG. 3. The electric cable 2 has a cable sheath 13, a braided cable shield 14 running thereunder. Insulation 15, or a dielectric, respectively, which encases an inner conductor 16 is disposed below the braided cable shield 14. In principle, the cable 2 may also have further cable components, for example a cable film not illustrated in more detail. The invention is furthermore also suitable for stripping multi-core electric cables 2.

[0185] For example, the device 1 or the method for stripping, respectively, can advantageously be used for stripping a portion 4 of the cable sheath 13 of the cable 2 and/or a portion 4 of the insulation 15 of the cable 2. The invention can however also be used for stripping the braided cable shield 14, for example, or the cable film not illustrated.

[0186] A method for stripping an electric cable 2 is illustrated in an exemplary manner as a flow chart in FIG. 4.

[0187] In a first method step S1 it can be provided that the electrical cable 2 is actuated onto the stripping installation 3, as a result predefining the desired axial position of the incision in the cable component 13, 14, 15 to be stripped.

[0188] In a second method step S2 it can be provided that the cutter 8 is radially actuated onto the cable component 13, 14, 15. It can optionally be moreover provided that the counter holder 9 is also actuated.

[0189] In a third method step S3, which optionally can also be carried out before the second method step S2 or simultaneously with the second method step S2, the rotary head 5 can be set in rotation.

[0190] In a fourth method step S4 it can be provided that the cutter 8, 8′ and/or the counter holder 9 is removed radially from the cable component 13 14, 15 again once the cutter 8, 8′ has generated a sufficiently deep incision in the cable component 13, 14, 15, for example after one or a plurality of revolutions of the rotary head 5. The at least one pull-off tool 10,1, 10.2 can simultaneously be actuated onto the cable component 13, 14, 15 in such a manner that said pull-off tool 10.1, 10.2 engages in the incision. The rotary head 5 can be stopped simultaneously or prior thereto. The pull-off tools 10.1, 10.2 are thus positioned in relation to the cutter 8, 8′ in such a manner that said pull-off tools 10.1, 10.2 can engage in the incision without the cable 2 having to be repositioned in the axial direction, or the advancing direction R, respectively.

[0191] In a fifth method step S5 it can be provided that the cable 2, once the at least one pull-off tool 10.1 10.2 has been brought to engage with the incision, counter to the advancing direction R is at least partially extracted from the stripping installation 3 again in order for the portion 4 to be at least partially pulled off from the cable 2.

[0192] Finally, in a sixth method step S6 it can be provided that the at least one pull-off tool 10.1, 10.2 is removed radially from the cable 2 again.

[0193] In an optional seventh method step S7 it can be provided that the cable 2, counter to the advancing direction R, is completely removed from the stripping installation 3.

[0194] The device 1 can be part of a system 17 for fabricating the electric cable 2. An exemplary system 17 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The system 17, apart from the device 1 for stripping, can preferably have at least one module 18 which for fabricating the electric cable 2 is independent from the device 1. An exemplary module 18 is also indicated by dashed lines as a black box in FIG. 1. A plurality of modules 18 are illustrated in FIG. 9, wherein the device 1, conjointly with two mutually independent modules 18, forms a first group 19 of modules 18, and with three further mutually independent modules 18, forms a second group 20 of modules 18.

[0195] In the context of the system, at least one of the independent modules 18 can be configured as a module for aligning and orienting the electric cable 2, and/or as a module for equipping the cable sheath 13 with plug connector components of a plug connector, and/or as a module for removing a cable film from a front end of the cable 2, and/or as a module for assembling a support sleeve on the front end of the cable 2, and/or as a module for processing a braided cable shield 14 of the cable 2, and/or as a module for assembling a housing component of an electric plug connector, and/or as a module for cleaning particles from the front end of the cable 2. In principle, arbitrary modules 18 can be provided for fabricating or processing, respectively, the cable 2 in the context of a cable fabrication.

[0196] A workpiece carrier system 21 for transporting a cable 2 to be processed between the device 1 and the modules 18, and optionally also feeding said cable 2 to the device 1, or to the modules 18, respectively, can be provided. Cable carriers 22 which for fastening the cable 2 have in each case clamping jaws 23 for holding the cable 2 in a defined alignment and/or orientation can be provided. The clamping jaws 23 can be configured so as to be displaceable, for example, in order for the cable 2 to be moved into the device 1 or into the modules 18 (indicated by a rail system 24 and corresponding double arrows in FIG. 9). In order for the cable 2 for the processing thereof to be transported between the independent modules 18, the cable carriers 22 in an exemplary manner are in each case assembled on a transport installation in the manner of a conveyor belt 25. In principle, only one transport installation, or only one conveyor belt 25, respectively, may also be provided. A transport installation, or a conveyor belt 25, can also be entirely dispensed with, for example when the cable 2 is transported onward by an operator, or when a tool carrier system for successively actuating tools of the module 18, or the modules 18, onto the cable 2 is provided additionally or alternatively to the workpiece carrier system 21. A respective transport installation for feeding the cable 2 and/or the modules 18 (and/or the tools of the modules 18) conjointly to the processing is preferably provided for each group 19, 20 of modules 18. Moreover, a gripper installation 26 or any other transport system for transporting the cables 2 between the different groups 19, 20 of modules 18 (individually or between the cable carriers 22 assigned to the groups 19, 20, respectively, or else conjointly with the cable carrier 22) can be provided.