METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROCESSING AN ELECTRICAL CABLE

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing an electrical cable (2), according to which a braided cable shield (6) of the cable (2), which is exposed along a longitudinal axis (L) of the cable (2) from a cable end (5) which is to be processed to a first stripping position (P.sub.A1), is, by means of brushing with at least one drivable brush (10), folded back towards a cable end facing away from the cable end (5) to be processed. According to the invention, a defined fold-back position (P.sub.U) for the braided cable shield (6) is determined along the longitudinal axis (L) of the cable (2). Before and/or during brushing, a front end of the forming sleeve (12), said front end facing the cable end (5) to be processed, is placed onto the cable (2) and positioned at the fold-back position (P.sub.U) in order to fold back the braided cable shield (6) onto the forming sleeve (12) starting from the fold-back position (P.sub.U). According to the invention, the fold-back position (P.sub.U) is determined in such a way that the fold-back position (P.sub.U) deviates from the first stripping position (P.sub.A1) and/or that the forming sleeve (12) has an end-face stop surface (20) for the braided cable shield (6).

Claims

1. A method for processing an electrical cable, according to which method a braided cable shield of the cable that, proceeding from a cable end to be processed, is exposed along a longitudinal axis of the cable up to a first stripping position, by brushing by means of at least one drivable brush is folded back in the direction of a cable end which faces away from the cable end to be processed, wherein a defined folding position for the braided cable shield is determined along the longitudinal axis of the cable, wherein a mold shell is applied to the cable before and/or during brushing and by way of a front end which faces the cable end to be processed is positioned at the folding position so as to, proceeding from the folding position, fold the braided cable shield onto the mold shell, wherein the folding position is determined in such a manner that the folding position differs from the first stripping position; and wherein the mold shell is removed from the cable again once the braided cable shield has been folded onto the mold shell.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the folding position is determined in such a manner that the folding position along the longitudinal axis of the cable is disposed so as to be closer to the cable end to be processed than the first stripping position.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the folding position is determined as a function of an assembly position of a plug connector component of an electrical plug connector preassembled on the cable.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the folding position is determined as a function of the first stripping position.

5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the folding position is determined as a function of a further stripping position proceeding from which a further cable component of the cable is exposed along the longitudinal axis of the cable up to the cable end to be processed.

6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mold shell is independent of an electrical plug connector to be assembled on the cable end to be processed.

7. (canceled)

8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein when the mold shell is applied to the cable the end-face proximal detent face of the mold shell at least in portions runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cable.

9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end-face proximal detent face of the mold shell is configured as an annulus, the annular width thereof in relation to the internal radius thereof having a ratio of at least 1:20.

10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mold shell at the front end, preferably between the end-face proximal detent face and a lateral face of the mold shell, has a chamfer and/or a transition radius.

11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mold shell (12) has a round cross section.

12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mold shell (12) tapers in the direction toward the front end.

13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mold shell is configured from two half shells or more half shells which, for applying the mold shell to the cable, are actuated in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cable.

14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mold shell is applied to the cable so as to be over a plug connector component of an electrical plug connector preassembled on the cable, preferably so as to be over an axially slotted support sleeve of the plug connector.

15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein before and/or during the folding of the braided cable shield, a protective sleeve is inserted in the direction of the first stripping position along the longitudinal axis of the cable, so as to be between the braided cable shield and underlying cable components of the cable.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the braided cable shield, prior to the insertion of the protective sleeve, is pre-processed so as to cause a radial enlargement.

17. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the braided cable shield prior to folding by means of the at least one drivable brush is straightened by brushing in the direction of the cable end to be processed.

18. (canceled)

19. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein before and/or during brushing, the at least one drivable brush is actuated in the direction toward the longitudinal axis of the cable.

20. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one drivable brush during brushing is rotated about the cable along the circumference of the cable.

21. A device for processing an electrical cable, said device having at least one drivable brush which is specified to fold a braided cable shield of the cable that, proceeding from a cable end to be processed, is exposed along a longitudinal axis of the cable up to a first stripping position, by brushing in the direction toward a cable end which faces away from the cable end to be processed, wherein a control installation is provided and specified to determine a defined folding position for the braided cable shield, and wherein an actuator installation is provided and specified to apply a mold shell to the cable and to position the latter by way of a front end which faces the cable end to be processed at the folding position, wherein the folding position differs from the first stripping position; and wherein the mold shell is removed from the cable again once the braided cable shield has been folded onto the mold shell.

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. A method for processing an electrical cable, according to which method a braided cable shield of the cable that, proceeding from a cable end to be processed, is exposed along a longitudinal axis of the cable up to a first stripping position, by brushing by means of at least one drivable brush is folded back in the direction of a cable end which faces away from the cable end to be processed, wherein a defined folding position for the braided cable shield is determined along the longitudinal axis of the cable, wherein a mold shell is applied to the cable before and/or during brushing and by way of a front end which faces the cable end to be processed is positioned at the folding position so as to, proceeding from the folding position, fold the braided cable shield onto the mold shell, wherein the mold shell has an end-face proximal detent face or the braided cable shield, and wherein the mold shell is removed from the cable again once the braided cable shield has been folded onto the mold shell.

Description

[0124] In the figures, in each case schematically:

[0125] FIG. 1 shows the device according to the invention in a state prior to applying the mold shell to the cable;

[0126] FIG. 2 shows the device according to the invention in a state after the application of the mold shell to the cable and during the actuation of the brushes;

[0127] FIG. 3 shows the device according to the invention in a state during the brushing of the braided cable shield for folding the braided cable shield;

[0128] FIG. 4 shows the device according to the invention in a state after the folding of the braided cable shield and prior to the removal of the mold shell;

[0129] FIG. 5 shows the device according to the invention in a state after the removal of the mold shell;

[0130] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary pre-processing of the braided cable shield using a plier-like tool for radially enlarging the braided cable shield;

[0131] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a half shell of a multi-part mold shell;

[0132] FIG. 8 shows a lateral view of a half shell of a further multi-part mold shell having a transition radius;

[0133] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary method sequence for the processing of the cable end;

[0134] FIG. 10 shows a cable processed in an exemplary manner after the folding of the braided cable shield according to the invention while attaching a press-fit sleeve; and

[0135] FIG. 11 shows a cable processed in an exemplary manner after the folding of the braided cable shield according to the prior art.

[0136] FIGS. 1 to 5 show a device 1 according to the invention for processing an electrical cable 2 in different states during processing according to the invention.

[0137] FIG. 1 first shows a basic state of the device 1, for example after the insertion of the cable 2 by a production operator and an actuation of the cable 2 into an initial position. The device 1 for actuating the cable 2 can have a clamping device 3 having two clamping jaws 4 which are able to be actuated toward the cable 2, for example. The clamping jaws 4 can fix the cable 2 therebetween. Furthermore, the clamping device 3, or the clamping jaws 4, respectively, can be movable along an advancing direction x (cf. arrow in FIG. 1) so as to transport the cable 2 before, during or after the processing thereof. The clamping device 3, or the clamping jaws 4, respectively, can be specified to hold the cable 2 so as to be secured against rotation.

[0138] In principle, the invention is suitable for processing a cable end 5 to be processed of an arbitrary electric cable 2, the latter having an outer conductor, in particular a braided cable shield 6. The processing according to the invention can in particular be performed on an electrical cable 2 of which the braided cable shield 6, proceeding from the cable end 5 to be processed, is exposed along the longitudinal axis L of the cable 2 up to a first stripping position P.sub.A1.

[0139] Optionally, a plug connector component of the later plug connector (the later plug connector is not illustrated in the figures) can already be preassembled on the cable 2, or be fastened to the latter, respectively. In an exemplary manner, a support sleeve 7 having an axial longitudinal slot 8 is illustrated in the figures. The invention is particularly advantageously suitable for processing an electrical cable 2 having a pre-fitted support sleeve 7 having a longitudinal slot 8.

[0140] In the present case, the support sleeve 7 by way of the front end thereof is positioned in an exemplary manner so as to be exactly at the stripping position P.sub.A1, proceeding from which the braided cable shield 6 is released from a cable sheath 9 of the cable 2. The assembly position P.sub.M of the support sleeve 7 thus corresponds to the stripping position P.sub.A1. This is however not mandatory; in particular, the support sleeve 7 can also be positioned further toward the rear of further toward the front.

[0141] In the context of the processing according to the invention it is provided that the braided cable shield 6, while using at least one drivable brush 10, is folded back in the direction to a cable end (not illustrated) which faces away from the cable end 5 to be processed. In an exemplary manner, the illustrated device 1 has exactly two drivable brushes 10. In principle however, a single brush 10 may also be provided. More than two brushes 10 may also be provided, for example three brushes 10, four brushes 10, or even more brushes 10. However, the use of exactly two brushes 10 is particularly advantageous with a view to the processing according to the invention.

[0142] The device 1 has an actuator installation 11 which is specified to apply a mold shell 12 to the cable 2. The actuator installation 11 illustrated in an exemplary manner is configured to apply a mold shell 12, configured from two half shells 13, laterally to the cable 2 by way of a rotating movement. In principle however, the half shells 13 may also be actuated in the direction toward the longitudinal axis L of the cable 2 by an exclusively linear movement. The exact type of actuation is not necessarily important in the present case. The mold shell 12 can also be composed of more than two half shells 13, have further components, or even be integrally configured (e.g. in the manner of a tube), for example. The person skilled in the art may correspondingly adapt the actuation, or the actuator installation 11, respectively.

[0143] The actuator installation 11 is furthermore configured to position the mold shell 12 by way of a front end which faces the cable end 5 to be processed at a defined folding position P.sub.u. A linear guide along two rails 14 is provided in an exemplary manner to this end.

[0144] FIG. 2 shows the state of the device 1 after the application of the mold shell 12 to the cable 2, and during the actuation of the brushes 10.

[0145] Moreover, in FIG. 2, a control installation 15 is illustrated in dashed lines in an exemplary manner as a black box, said control installation 15 being capable of carrying out and monitoring a method according to the invention. To this end, the control installation 15 can be specified, for example, to transmit control signals to the actuator installation 11 and/or further actuators, for example an actuator module for actuating the brushes 10 (likewise indicated in FIG. 2). The control installation 15 can moreover be specified to determine the defined folding position P.sub.U for the braided cable shield 6, so as to subsequently position the front end of the mold sleeve 12 by the actuator installation 11 in a corresponding manner.

[0146] As is illustrated in FIG. 2, the folding position P.sub.U according to the invention can differ from the first stripping position P.sub.A1. The folding position P.sub.U in the present case has been determined in such a manner that the folding position P.sub.U along the longitudinal axis L of the cable 2 is disposed so as to be closer to the cable end 5 to be processed than the first stripping position P.sub.A1. The folding position P.sub.U can in particular also be determined as a function of the assembly position P.sub.M of a preassembled plug connector component of the later electrical plug connector, thus as a function of the position of the support sleeve 7, for example. Moreover, the folding position P.sub.U can be determined as a function of the first stripping position P.sub.A1. Furthermore, the folding position P.sub.U can be determined as a function of one or a plurality of further stripping positions P.sub.A2, P.sub.A3 (cf. FIG. 10).

[0147] A sensor installation 16 (indicated in an exemplary manner only in FIG. 1) which for communications can be connected to the control installation 15 can be used for determining the folding position P.sub.u, for example. The sensor installation 16 can be configured as a camera, for example, and can measure the cable 2 and/or a plug connector component preassembled on the cable 2, or the position of the latter.

[0148] Once the mold shell 12 has been applied to the cable 2, or while the mold shell 12 is being applied to the cable 2, the at least one drivable brush 10 can be actuated in the direction toward the longitudinal axis L of the cable 2, as is indicated in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the brushes 10 can be driven in the direction toward the rear cable end which faces away from the cable end 5 to be processed, and said brushes 10 can simultaneously be moved, counter to the advancing direction x of the cable 2 toward the first stripping position P.sub.A1, in particular as soon as the brushes 10 come into contact with the braided cable shield 6. Important here is only a relative movement between the cable 2 and the brushes 10; a movement of the brushes 10 is illustrated in an exemplary manner in the exemplary embodiment, but in principle the cable 2 can additionally or alternatively also be moved in the direction toward the brushes 10.

[0149] FIG. 3 shows a state of the device 10 during the brushing of the braided cable shield 6 for folding the braided cable shield 6. In order for the cable components of the cable 2 situated below the braided cable shield 6 of the cable 2 to be protected, the protective sleeve 17 illustrated can be inserted along the longitudinal axis L of the cable 2 in the direction toward the first stripping position P.sub.A1, between the braided cable shield 6 and the underlying cable components of the cable 2 (for example a cable film). In able for the insertion of the support sleeve 7 to be simplified, the braided cable shield 6 can previously be pre-processed so as to cause a radial enlargement, in particular at the front, free end of the braided cable shield 6. This is described in more detail hereunder. In order for the insertion to a simplified, the support sleeve 7 at the front, free end thereof can moreover have a chamfer 18.

[0150] Optionally, it can be provided that the at least one drivable brush 10 during the brushing 10 is rotated about the cable 2 along the circumference of the cable 2. This is not illustrated in the exemplary embodiments and is typically also advantageous only when exactly one brush 10 is used.

[0151] Optionally, it can be moreover provided that the braided cable shield 7, before being folded by means of the at least one drivable brush 10, is straightened by brushing in the direction toward the cable end 5 to be processed. This is likewise not illustrated in the exemplary embodiments. The braided cable shield 6 is preferably not brushed before being folded by the brushes 10.

[0152] FIG. 4 shows the device 1 in a state after the complete folding of the braided cable shield 6 onto the mold shell 12.

[0153] Once the braided cable shield 6 has been folded onto the mold shell 12, the mold shell 12 can be removed from the cable 2 again, as is illustrated in FIG. 5, for example. To this end, the mold shell 12 can be moved by the actuator installation 11, for example counter to the advancing direction x, or in the direction toward the rear cable end which faces away from the cable end 5 to be processed, respectively, and subsequently be removed laterally from the cable 2, for example again by the rotating movement illustrated. Finally, the cable 2 can optionally be moved out of the device 1 by the clamping device 3 and/or be released for removal.

[0154] In an exemplary manner, pre-processing of the braided cable shield 6 for radially enlarging the braided cable shield 6 so as to be able to insert the protective sleeve 17 more easily below the braided cable shield 6 is illustrated in FIG. 6. Illustrated to this end in an exemplary manner is a plier-like tool 19 which in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the cable 2 is able to be actuated radially toward the braided cable shield 6. Radial impressions in the braided cable shield 6 can be generated by means of the plier-like tool 19, so that the exposed end of the braided cable shield 6 is radially enlarged. Alternatively or additionally, enlarging the braided cable shield 6 by means of the at least one brush 10 can also be provided.

[0155] A single half shell 13 of the multi-part mold shell 12 is shown in a perspective view in FIG. 7. Of course, the illustration is to be understood to be merely exemplary. The mold shell 12 has an end-face proximal detent face 20 for the braided cable shield 6. The end-face proximal detent face 20 of the mold shell 12 here preferably runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis L of the cable 2 when the mold shell 12 is applied to the cable 2.

[0156] As a result of the end-face proximal detent face 20 of the mold shell 12, the braided cable shield 6 can be folded in a defined manner. The end-face proximal detent face 20 here is particularly preferably configured as an annulus, as illustrated. The annular width b of the annulus in relation to the internal radius r thereof can have a ratio of at least 1:20, preferably at least 1:10, particularly preferably at least 1:5. Larger or smaller ratios are also possible, however.

[0157] Moreover, the mold shell 12 preferably has a round cross section. However, any other cross sections, for example an oval cross-section or a rectangular cross section, may also be suitable.

[0158] A half shell 13 of a further exemplary mold shell 12 is shown in a lateral view in FIG. 8. The mold shell 12, or the half shell 13, respectively, at the front end has a transition radius 21 which, proceeding from the end-face proximal detent face 20, extends to the lateral face 22 of the mold shell 12. As a result, the transition of the braided cable shield 6, proceeding from the detent face 20 to the lateral face 22, can be predefined in a gentler manner.

[0159] The mold shell 12 can also taper in the direction toward the front end, for example. The mold shell 12 can also taper in the direction toward the front end only in regions. An exemplary taper in portions is illustrated in FIG. 8. As a result, the braided cable shield 6 can follow a predefined profile of the mold shell 12.

[0160] Illustrated in FIG. 9 is an exemplary method sequence for the processing of the cable end 5. The method steps shown can optionally also be interchanged or further sub-divided. Moreover, further method steps can also be provided in the context of the method according to the invention. Therefore, the method sequence illustrated is to be understood to be merely exemplary. The method can be carried out as a computer program product having program code means on the control installation 15 of the device 1. The control installation 15 is illustrated in an exemplary manner by dashed lines.

[0161] According to a first method step S1, the defined folding position P.sub.U for the braided cable shield 6 can first be determined along the longitudinal axis L of the cable 2. Subsequently, in a second method step S2, the mold shell 12 can be applied to the cable 2 and by way of the front end of said mold shell 12 which faces the cable end 5 to be processed be positioned at the folding position P.sub.U. Subsequently, in a third method step S3, the braided cable shield 6 by means of the at least one brush 10 can be brushed back in the direction toward the cable end which faces away from the cable end 5 to be processed. Finally, in a fourth method step S4, the mold shell 12 can be removed from the cable 2 again.

[0162] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary cable 2 after the folding of the braided cable shield 6 according to the invention. The profile of the support sleeve 7 below the braided cable shield 6 is indicated by dashed lines.

[0163] The cable 2 illustrated in an exemplary manner is configured as a two-core data cable. A filler layer 23 runs below the braided cable shield 6, the inner conductors 24 of the cable 2 running in said filler layer 23. Optionally, a cable film which for reasons of simplicity is not illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, can optionally also run between the filler layer 23 and the braided cable shield 6. The inner conductors 24 of the cable 2 are in each case encased by an insulation 25. The construction of the cable 2 is understood to be merely exemplary and can be arbitrary in principle. For example, a coaxial cable can also be processed according to the invention.

[0164] It can be seen that the folding position P.sub.U by virtue of the processing according to the invention differs from the first stripping position P.sub.A1.

[0165] For comparison, a cable 2 processed according to the prior art is shown in an exemplary manner in FIG. 11, the folding position P.sub.U and the first stripping position P.sub.A1 being identical in said cable 2.

[0166] For example, when, proceeding from the cable end 5 to be processed, a press-fit sleeve 26, or a crimped sleeve (cf. FIG. 10) is applied to the cable 2 in order to compress the braided cable shield 6 between the press-fit sleeve 26 and the support sleeve 7 in a subsequent crimping process, the contact between the press-fit sleeve 26 and the braided cable shield 6 can be improved as a result of the inventive positioning of the folding position P.sub.U ahead of the first stripping position P.sub.A1 because the braided cable shield 6 as a result of the upstream position, spaced apart from the support sleeve 7, is better able to contact the end-face proximal internal face of the press-fit sleeve 26.

[0167] Moreover, it can be avoided by virtue of the mold shell 12 according to the invention that the braided cable shield 6 as a result of the brushing follows the specific geometric parameters or structures, respectively, of the support sleeve 7 and enters the longitudinal slot 8 by way of one or a plurality of individual wires, for example. As a result, it can be prevented that individual wires of the braided cable shield 6 protrude beyond the press-fit sleeve 26 in the direction toward the cable end which faces away from the cable end 5 to be processed, as is indicated in FIG. 11.