Wireworking – Wire twisting
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-22
2001-09-18
Larson, Lowell A. (Department: 3725)
Wireworking
Wire twisting
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289944
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a method and equipment for the treatment and twisting together of a conductor pair which is stretched, clamped in at both ends and twisted together from one end of the conductor pair.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
A conductor pair that is twisted together consists of two conductors twisted together and is suitable for data transmission, for example in vehicles. Each conductor has a helical course, wherein the two conductors are coiled closely one against the other and form upper and lower conductor loops in alternating sequence. A conductor portion with a respective upper and lower loop is denoted as lay. Lay lengths and lay symmetry are parameters of a conductor pair which is twisted together, which parameters are of significance with respect to the electromagnetic compatibility (EMV) and must lie within preset tolerance values.
Conductor pairs that are twisted together are produced manually, semi-automatically or fully automatically, wherein the basic working steps remain the same. After cutting to length, the individual conductors are clamped at one end in a stationary clamping device and at the other end in a displaceable clamping device with a rotary head and then stretched over the entire length. Thereafter, the twisting together takes place from one end of the individual conductors by means of the clamping device with the rotary head.
A device for the mechanical manufacture of conductor pairs that are twisted together is known from German reference DE 196 49 759. The two individual conductors are each drawn off from a respective coil and cut to the desired length. A finishing machine equips the individual conductors at both ends with plugs or coupling members. Thereafter, each conductor is clamped by a respective one end in a fixed mounting and by the other end in a spindle-driven mounting which stretches the individual conductors freely over their entire length. The twisting together then takes place from the spindle-driven mounting.
The known equipment is of sufficient performance for small charges with respect to produced piece numbers per unit of time. For greater charges, the performance capability of such equipment is no longer adequate. Increases in performance are hardly possible because the equipping, stretching and twisting together of the individual conductors can hardly be shortened in time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide a method and equipment for making large charges of twisted conductor. The invention, solves the problem of avoiding the disadvantages of the known equipment and creating an efficient production plant for automatic manufacture of conductors twisted together. This is achieved by a combination of machines which conventionally operate one independently of the other and by the avoidance of unproductive transport or transfer steps, as is not possible at all with individual machines connected one behind the other.
Pursuant to the above object, one aspect of the present invention resides in an apparatus for treating and twisting together a conductor pair, which apparatus comprises a device for treating and equipping leading and trailing ends of the conductor, and a device for subsequently twisting together the conductor pair. The treating and equipping device includes units for treating and equipping the trailing conductor end, which units are arranged directly beside the twisting device. Another aspect of the present invention resides in a method for treating and twisting together a conductor pair, which method comprises the steps of stretching each conductor pair, treating a leading conductor end, treating a trailing conductor end, clamping both ends of each conductor pair, and twisting together each conductor pair from one end. At least two of the following steps being performed simultaneously: the treating of the leading conductor end; the treating of the trailing conductor end; and the twisting together of the conductor pair.
The advantages achieved by the invention are to be seen substantially in that up to three conductor pairs can be treated simultaneously in parallel operation, whereby a substantial increase in performance by comparison with conventional twisting machines is possible for the manufacture of conductor pairs that are twisted together. The conductors are stretched in their length only once in the entire production process and need neither be turned or retracted nor transported. Furthermore, it is advantageous that both conductor ends are retained by grippers during the manufacture ready for use and the twisting-together. Thereby, unnecessary loss times during the manipulation of the conductors are avoided. Moreover, the conductors cannot form any loops or twist at the ends. During the stretching of the conductors to the desired length, the tension forces in the conductors are watched. The tension forces in the conductors are regulated during the stretching of the conductors and/or the twisting together. Thereby, knots or loops are recognized. The regulation of the tension force during the twisting together, in particular during the shortening of the entire conductor length resulting due to the twisting process, improves the quality of the twisted conductor pair, for example with respect to lay length and lay symmetry.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5931203 (1999-08-01), Kredler et al.
patent: 196 49 759 (1998-06-01), None
patent: 889 486 (1999-01-01), None
Cohen & Pontani, Lieberman & Pavane
Komax Holding AG
Larson Lowell A.
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