EP3656504B1 - Press tool, press tool set, press tool network and method for crimping a workpiece - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a press tool network with a press tool, which is a hand press tool that is operated manually by a user applying forces to the hand lever of the hand press tool.

1. a) Möglich ist, dass das Presswerkzeug eine Crimpzange ist, welche insbesondere einer Herstellung einer dauerhaften mechanischen Verbindung und elektrischen Kontaktierung. Dies erfolgt vorzugsweise durch Vercrimpen eines Steckers mit einem Kabel oder einem elektrischen Leiter beliebiger Bauart. Je nach zum Einsatz kommenden Profil der Gesenke können unterschiedliche Crimpvorgänge mit der Crimpzange ausgeführt werden. Beispielsweise kann es sich um einen geschlossenen Crimp handeln, bei dem der Leiter in eine geschlossene Crimpzone eines Steckers oder in eine geschlossene Hülse eingeführt wird und durch plastische Verformung der Crimpzone oder der Hülse vercrimpt wird. Möglich ist aber auch, dass ein offener Crimp erzeugt wird, bei dem der Stecker eine offene Crimpzone aufweist, in die der Leiter von oben eingelegt werden kann. Um lediglich einige, die Erfindung nicht beschränkende Beispiele zu nennen, können mit der erfindungsgemäß eingesetzten Crimpzange Werkstücke wie
   • Kabelschuhe nach DIN 4623,
   • Aluminiumverbinder nach DIN 46329
   • Aluminium-Presskabelschuhe nach DIN 48201
   • Quetschkabelschuhe nach DIN 46234,
   • Stiftkabelschuhe nach DIN 46230 oder
   • Verbinder, Stecker oder Kabelschuhe für eine Verbindung mit einem Kabel oder Leiter, wie diese in dem Produktkatalog der WEZAG GmbH Werkzeugfabrik "Werkzeuge für die professionelle Anwendung" mit der Veröffentlichungs-Nr. 10/11 beschrieben sind,
     • vercrimpt werden. Bei dem hergestellten Crimp kann es sich beispielsweise für einen geschlossenen Crimp um einen Sechskant- oder Hexagonalcrimp, einen Vierkantcrimp, einen B-Crimp, einen Trapezcrimp, einen modifizierten Trapezcrimp, einen Ovalcrimp, einen Dorncrimp oder einen Zweidorncrimp handeln. Ein offener Crimp kann bspw. als V-Crimp oder B-Crimp, als Rollcrimp oder als Doppelrollcrimp ausgebildet sein.
     • Zusätzlich zur Herstellung der elektrischen Verbindung zwischen Kabel oder Leiter und Stecker kann eine mechanische Verbindung mittels eines sogenannten Isolationscrimps hergestellt werden. Hierbei kann ein geschlossener Isolationscrimp oder ein offener Isolationscrimp (insbesondere V-Crimp oder B-Crimp, O-Crimp oder OV-Crimp) Einsatz finden. Hinsichtlich weiterer Informationen
   • zur Ausgestaltung einer Crimpzange,
   • zu möglichen Einsatzbereichen der Crimpzange und/oder
   • zu unterschiedlichen möglichen Typen von Crimpverbindungen, welche mittels der Crimpzange hergestellt werden können,
     wird auf das Werk
   • " Crimptechnik, Herstellung prozesssicherer Verbindungen von elektrischen Leitern und Steckern" der WEZAG GmbH Werkzeugfabrik, Die Bibliothek der Technik 342, Verlag Moderne Industrie, ISBN 978-3-68236-027-7
     verwiesen. Crimpzangen in unterschiedlichen Bauformen sind beispielsweise aus den Druckschriften DE 37 08 727 C2 , DE 197 13 580 C2 , DE 197 53 436 C2 , DE 198 02 287 C1 , DE 198 07 737 C2 , EP 3 208 044 A1 und EP 2 305 428 A1 bekannt.
2. b) Möglich ist auch, dass das Presswerkzeug eine Rohrpresszange ist, die der Herstellung einer mechanischen fluiddichten Verbindung in der Fluidtechnik dient, beispielsweise zur Verbindung von Rohren miteinander oder mit fluidischen Anschlusssteckern. Hierbei erfolgt mittels der Rohrpresszange eine plastische Verformung der zu verbindenden Rohre oder eines sogenannten, die mechanische Verbindung und die fluiddichte Abdichtung gewährleistenden Fittings. Beispielhafte Ausführungsformen einer Rohrpresszange können den Druckschriften DE 197 09 639 A1 , DE 198 34 859 C2 , DE 199 24 086 C2 , DE 199 24 087 C2 , DE 199 63 097 C1 , DE 103 46 241 B3 , EP 2 995 424 A1 entnommen werden.

There are the following variants for the design of the pressing tool:

1. a) It is possible that the pressing tool is a crimping tool, which in particular produces a permanent mechanical connection and electrical contact. This is preferably done by crimping a plug with a cable or an electrical conductor of any type. Depending on the die profile used, different crimping processes can be carried out with the crimping tool. For example, it can be a closed crimp, in which the conductor is introduced into a closed crimping zone of a plug or into a closed sleeve and is crimped by plastic deformation of the crimping zone or the sleeve. However, it is also possible for an open crimp to be produced in which the connector has an open crimping zone into which the conductor can be inserted from above. To name just a few examples that do not limit the invention, the crimping tool used according to the invention can be used for workpieces such as
   • cable lugs according to DIN 4623,
   • Aluminum connector according to DIN 46329
   • Aluminum compression cable lugs according to DIN 48201
   • Crimp cable lugs according to DIN 46234,
   • Pin cable lugs according to DIN 46230 or
   • Connectors, plugs or cable lugs for a connection with a cable or conductor, such as those in the WEZAG GmbH tool factory product catalog "Tools for professional use" with the publication no. 10/11 are described,
     • be crimped. The crimp produced can be, for example, a hexagonal or hexagonal crimp, a square crimp, a B-crimp, a trapezoidal crimp, a modified trapezoidal crimp, an oval crimp, a mandrel crimp or a two-mandrel crimp for a closed crimp. An open crimp can be designed, for example, as a V-crimp or B-crimp, as a roll crimp or as a double roll crimp.
     • In addition to making the electrical connection between the cable or conductor and the plug, a mechanical connection can be made using what is known as an insulation crimp. A closed insulation crimp or an open insulation crimp (in particular V-crimp or B-crimp, O-crimp or OV-crimp) can be used here. Regarding further information
   • for designing a crimping tool,
   • on possible areas of application for the crimping tool and/or
   • to different possible types of crimp connections, which can be made using the crimping tool,
     will on the factory
   • " Crimping technology, production of process-reliable connections of electrical conductors and plugs" from WEZAG GmbH tool factory, The Library of Technology 342, Verlag Moderne Industrie, ISBN 978-3-68236-027-7
     referred. Crimping pliers in different designs are, for example, from the publications DE 37 08 727 C2 , DE 197 13 580 C2 , DE 197 53 436 C2 , DE 198 02 287 C1 , DE 198 07 737 C2 , EP 3 208 044 A1 and EP 2 305 428 A1 famous.
2. b) It is also possible that the pressing tool is a pipe pressing tool, which is used to produce a mechanical fluid-tight connection in fluid technology, for example for Connection of tubes to each other or to fluidic connector plugs. A plastic deformation of the pipes to be connected or a so-called fitting that ensures the mechanical connection and the fluid-tight seal takes place here by means of the pipe pressing pliers. Exemplary embodiments of a pipe crimping tool can be found in the publications DE 197 09 639 A1 , DE 198 34 859 C2 , DE 199 24 086 C2 , DE 199 24 087 C2 , DE 199 63 097 C1 , DE 103 46 241 B3 , EP 2 995 424 A1 be removed.

A workpiece is pressed with the pressing tool. This workpiece can be an assembly. For the configuration of the pressing tool as a crimping tool, the workpiece can be, for example, a structural unit formed with a plug and an electrical conductor, optionally with an additional seal. On the other hand, when the pressing tool is designed as a pipe pressing tool, the workpiece can be the fitting, optionally with at least one pipe or a connection element arranged therein and any seal.

The pamphlet WO 2016/005838 A1 discloses a crimping tool with a motor and two crimping dies that are pressed together by the motor. A control and/or regulation system in the crimping tool monitors when a closed position of the crimping jaws is reached and automatically switches off the motor when this is the case. Whether the jaws have reached the closed position can be determined in various ways. One of the disclosed methods involves determining what type of crimping die is set in the die. For each type of crimping die, it is known which way a reference point on the crimping die travels between an open and a closed position of the crimping die. A path actually covered by the reference point is measured and compared to the previously known path, so that it can be determined individually for each type of crimping jaw based on the path covered by the reference point that the crimping jaws are closed. Determining the type of crimp jaws can be based on mechanical shape recognition, optical or color recognition, magnetic or electrical recognition, and recognition of a signal from an RFID tag. In a comparable way it can also be determined what kind of workpiece is inserted into the crimping tool. In addition to the type of crimping jaws, it can also be recognized from a measured pressure difference or a measured difference in power consumption of the motor that the crimping jaws are closed. At one with the tax and/or Display connected to the control circuit can show which operating mode is selected or which maximum pressing force has been reached and a result of the pressing process can be displayed.

The document US 2013/0233043 A1 discloses an automatically or manually operated crimping tool, in which it is monitored how many crimping cycles the crimping tool has already run through and whether maintenance is already necessary as a result of this number of crimping cycles run through. The fact that a crimping cycle has been completed is detected by a sensor that registers when two hand levers of the crimping pliers approach each other. The crimping tool has a microcontroller designed as a counter. A memory of the microcontroller can be read out by an external device via wireless data transmission. The microcontroller can also be reset or reprogrammed from the external device. The microcontroller can also transmit an identification of the crimping tool to the external device.

EP 2 698 885 A1 relates to a crimping machine in which the dies formed by a stamp and an anvil are formed by an interchangeable adapter. By exchanging the interchangeable adapter, the crimping machine can be equipped with different punches and anvils and thus different dies. A sensor, by means of which a crimping force and/or a crimping path can be recorded, is integrated into the interchangeable adapter. The control unit available for evaluating the signal from the sensor using the associated calibration factors and an associated memory can be integrated into the interchangeable adapter. Alternatively, it is proposed that the sensor integrated in the interchangeable adapter communicates with a control unit and an associated memory of the crimping machine via a plug connection. The sensors integrated in the change adapters can be specifically adapted in terms of their measuring range to the workpieces to be pressed with the dies. The respectively assigned calibration curve can then be used in the control unit with recourse to the memory. It is possible for the type of interchangeable adapter to be detected automatically by reading in a corresponding identification, by actuating a sensor on the crimping machine, which detects a shape or an optical identification of the interchangeable adapter, and the like.

U.S. 2016/0016222 A1 discloses a hand held press tool powered by an electric motor. The pressing device has a drive part with the electric motor and an actuating switch as well as a tool part with the two pressing jaws and the assigned dies. The tool part is exchangeably held on the drive part and a driving force is transmitted from the drive part to the pressing jaws of the tool part. The drive part has a camera which captures the press jaws of the tool part in the area of the dies and a workpiece arranged in the die, here a pipe end and a press fitting. The tool part can be equipped with a QR code that can be captured by the camera of the drive part. Based on a residual gap of the dies at the end of the working stroke of the tool part, which can be detected by the camera, an assessment of the pressing process can be recognized, in this case the proper complete completion of the pressing stroke. Furthermore, an RFID reader can be integrated into the drive part, which can recognize information from an RFID tag on the press fitting and the pipe. Information of the drive part determined and obtained in this way can be transmitted to a PC by means of a transmission unit via Bluetooth. The PC is used to provide a memory for an evaluation and a display. For example, the name of a user, the date on which a working stroke was carried out, a progression of a pressing force over time, the tool part selected during the working stroke, documentation and the like can be displayed on the display. Furthermore, operation of the pressing device can be controlled via the PC and the signal processing can be controlled during the same.

Further prior art is from the publication U.S. 2016/0363510 A1 famous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

• einer Vereinfachung des Prozesses,
• der Prozesssicherheit und/oder
• einer Prozessdokumentation

zu verbessern.The invention is based on the object of a pressing tool network and a method for pressing a workpiece

• a simplification of the process,
• of process safety and/or
• a process documentation

to improve.

SOLUTION

The object of the invention is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent patent claims. Further preferred configurations according to the invention can be found in the dependent patent claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the object on which the invention is based, a pressing tool used according to the invention, which is intended for pressing a workpiece, has (at least) one die receptacle in which an exchangeable die can be accommodated. The die can, for example, be screwed or clipped to the die receptacle, see also the connection of a die to a die receptacle according to FIG Patent DE 198 02 287 C1 .

In the event that the pressing tool is a pipe crimping tool or a crimping tool, the die receptacle can be formed by the jaw of the pliers.

According to the invention, the pressing tool has a (preferably electronic) detection device. The detection device is set up to detect an identification of the die.

According to the state of the art, during the feeding of the die to the die holder of the pressing tool, care must be taken by the user or by an automatic feeding device that the right die for the respective workpiece for pressing the workpiece is arranged in the die holder of the pressing tool. Any documentation and an evaluation, for example of the pressing forces of the pressing tool when pressing the workpiece, must be based on the fact that the correct die is arranged in the die holder.

On the other hand, the pressing tool used according to the invention is able to record information in the form of an identifier for the die arranged in the die receptacle. This leads to an increase in process reliability, since it can be recognized whether the correct die, the correct type of die or also a type of die from a group of permissible types of dies is arranged in the die receptacle. That based on Marking recognized die can also be documented in a process documentation. The detected identification of the die can also be used to control the process when the workpiece is pressed and/or evaluation parameters specific to the die, such as setpoint pressing force curves, can be used.

The press tool (or a press tool set formed with the press tool and the die) is operated in a press tool network. In this case, the pressing tool network has an electronic control unit which is designed and arranged externally and at a distance from the pressing tool and which can be, for example, a PC, a tablet, a laptop or a smartphone. This electronic control unit then communicates with the detection device of the pressing tool, for which purpose an electronic control unit, which can be part of the detection device in the pressing tool or communicates with the detection device, can also be used. The communication can be wireless, in particular via Bluetooth or WLAN, or wired. For this purpose, the pressing tool can have a wireless transmission and/or reception device or a connection for a suitable cable connection, in particular a USB connection. In this case, the communication can take place unidirectionally from the pressing tool to the electronic control unit or vice versa, with the communication preferably taking place bidirectionally. The communication can, as will be explained in more detail below, e.g Crimping process are used to name just a few non-limiting examples.

The electronic control unit arranged externally from the pressing tool communicates with an external data memory, this communication taking place via a public network with suitable encryption. The external data storage is designed as a cloud storage. It is possible here that different users of pressing tools access the cloud storage, which is then provided by a central person or a central company, for example the manufacturer of the pressing tool.

Insofar as an electronic control unit is discussed below, this electronic control unit can be a component of the pressing tool and in this case in particular can work together with or form the detection device. But it is also possible that this electronic control unit is the electronic control unit constructed and arranged externally of the pressing tool, which communicates with the cloud memory.

• der Nutzung der Elektronik-Baueinheit für weitere Funktionen,
• der konstruktiven, elektrischen und/oder elektronischen Ausgestaltung der Elektronik-Baueinheit und
• der Verbindung der Elektronik-Baueinheit mit dem mechanischen Zangenteil

zum Gegenstand der vorliegenden europäischen Patentanmeldung gemacht wird.In the event that the pressing tool is a pressing tongs that is operated manually via a hand lever, the detection device can in principle be arranged at any point on the pressing tongs. For a particular proposal of the invention, the detection device and/or an electronic control unit is/are arranged in the area of a tong head of the pressing tongs. Such a pliers head can be arranged between the pliers jaws and the hand levers and can have a fixed housing. It is possible here that the detection device is integrated into a "tech pack" of the pliers head or is integrated into an electronics unit designed separately from a mechanical part of the pliers, as is the case in the not previously published European patent application with the official file number EP 18 173 803.0 is described, which terms

• the use of the electronics unit for additional functions,
• the constructive, electrical and/or electronic design of the electronics unit and
• the connection of the electronics unit with the mechanical part of the tongs

is made the subject of the present European patent application.

A further embodiment of the invention proposes that the detection device is arranged in the area of or adjacent to the die receptacle. If the pressing tool is in the form of pressing pliers, the detection device can be arranged in the area of the pliers head or even in the area of a pliers jaw. To give just another example, the distance of the detection device from the die socket can be less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, less than 4 cm, less than 3 cm, less than 2 cm or even less than 1.5 cm. The detection device can even extend into the area of the die holder itself.

• Das Presswerkzeug kann in einem Presswerkzeug-Set mit einem Gesenk verwendet werden, welches eine optische Codierung aufweist, welche die Kennzeichnung beinhaltet. Als eine Möglichkeit für eine derartige optische Codierung kann ein Barcode oder eine Ziffernfolge oder ein QR-Code genannt werden. In diesem Fall kann die Erfassungseinrichtung des Presswerkzeugs über eine Leseeinrichtung verfügen, über welche die optische Codierung erfasst werden kann. Diese Leseeinrichtung kann beispielsweise eine Art Kamera oder ein Scanner für die optische Codierung sein.
• Möglich ist auch, dass in dem Presswerkzeug-Set ein Gesenk Einsatz findet, welches eine mechanische Kontaktkontur aufweist, die die Kennzeichnung bereitstellt. In diesem Fall weist die Erfassungseinrichtung eine mechanische Abtasteinrichtung für die mechanische Kontaktkontur auf. Um lediglich ein nicht beschränkendes Beispiel zu nennen, kann die mechanische Abtasteinrichtung einen Abtaststift oder eine Abtastrolle aufweisen, der oder die entlang der mechanischen Kontaktkontur bewegt wird. Das sensierte Signal der Verschiebung des Abtaststifts beinhaltet dann die Kennzeichnung. Möglich ist aber auch, dass eine Reihe oder ein Feld von Abtaststiften gegen eine mechanische Kontaktkontur gedrückt wird, womit die Abtaststifte dann unterschiedlich entsprechend der mechanischen Kontaktkontur ausgelenkt werden und anhand der Auslenkungen der Abtaststifte die mit der Kontaktkontur codierte Kennzeichnung erfasst werden kann.
• Möglich ist des Weiteren, dass das Gesenk eine RFID-Einheit aufweist, über welche die Kennzeichnung bereitgestellt wird. Die RFID-Einheit sendet ein insbesondere hochfrequentes Signal aus, welches die Kennzeichnung beinhaltet. Für den Fall, dass die RFID-Einheit als passive Einheit ausgebildet ist, kann diese ohne eigene Leistungsversorgung ausgebildet sein und infolge einer externen Anregung durch eine Anregungseinheit, welche ebenfalls Bestandteil des Presswerkzeugs sein kann, in an sich bekannter Weise mit elektrischer Leistung versorgt wird, womit dann das Aussenden des die Kennzeichnung aufweisenden Signals ermöglicht ist. Die Erfassungseinrichtung verfügt über eine Empfangseinrichtung, mittels welcher das von der RFID-Einheit ausgesendete Signal empfangen werden kann.
  • Als Sonderform für diese Art der Kennzeichnung und/oder Übertragung der Kennzeichnung zwischen Gesenk und Presswerkzeug kann eine Technologie Einsatz finden, die als Nahfeldkommunikation (oder "Near Field Communication", abgekürzt "NFC") bezeichnet wird. Hierbei handelt es sich um einen auf der RFID-Technik basierenden internationalen Übertragungsstandard zum kontaktlosen Austausch von Daten per elektromagnetischer Induktion mittels loser gekoppelter Spulen über kurze Strecken von wenigen Zentimetern, wobei eine Datenübertragungsrate maximal 424 kBit/s betragen kann. Hierbei kann eine verbindungslose Übertragung mittels passiven HF-RFID-Tags nach ISO/IEC 14443 oder ISO/IEC 1563 erfolgen oder eine verbindungsbehaftete Übertragung zwischen gleichwertigen aktiven Transmittern.
  • Hinsichtlich weiterer Informationen zu RFID und NFC, die im Rahmen der Erfindung einsetzbar sind, wird auf den Eintrag zu "NFC" sowie "RFID" unter Wikipedia (Datum der Einsichtnahme 11.10.2018) und die hier angegebenen Literaturstellen sowie RFID und NFC betreffende Standardwerke und Veröffentlichungen, insbesondere
    Klaus Finkenzeller: "RFID-Handbuch: Grundlagen und praktische Anwendungen von Transpondern, kontaktlosen Chipkarten und NFC", Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH + Co. KG, 7. Auflage, ISBN: 9783446439436
  verwiesen.
• Möglich ist auch, dass in einem Presswerkzeug-Set ein Gesenk einen Strahlungs- oder Lichtsender aufweist, welcher die Kennzeichnung codiert in einem Strahlungs- oder Lichtsignal versendet. In diesem Fall kann die Erfassungseinrichtung einen Empfänger für ein Strahlungs- oder Lichtsignal aufweisen. Für die Art der Strahlung oder des Lichts, den in dem Gesenk eingesetzten Sender und/oder den in der Erfassungseinrichtung des Presswerkzeugs eingesetzten Empfänger gibt es vielfältige Möglichkeiten. Beispielsweise kann es sich bei dem Sender um einen Infrarotsensor, eine Lichtzelle oder eine Diode handeln. Möglich ist, dass eine Codierung der Kennzeichnung in Form der Frequenz und/oder der Amplitude des ausgesendeten Strahlungs- oder Lichtsignals erfolgt, wobei auch andere, aus der Übertragungs- oder Nachrichtentechnik bekannte Übertragungsund Codierungsformen genutzt werden können.
• Möglich ist des Weiteren, dass eine Übertragung der Kennzeichnung über eine induktive Kopplung zwischen dem Gesenk und der Erfassungseinrichtung erfolgt. Hierbei erfolgt eine Übertragung der Kennzeichnung über eine elektromagnetische Induktion, wozu beispielsweise eine Signalübertragung zwischen einer Abfrageeinheit und einem zugeordneten Transponder durch Ein- und Ausschalten eines hochfrequenten Magnetfelds erfolgen kann, was einer Amplitudenmodulation entsprechen kann. In dem Transponder wird hierdurch eine elektrische Spannung in der Spule indiziert, die dann über eine Diode gleichgerichtet werden kann. Andere Ausgestaltungsformen sind aber durchaus auch möglich.

There are many possibilities for the type of identification transmitted between the die and the detection device and the transmission device, of which a few are only given as examples below:

• The pressing tool can be used in a pressing tool set with a die that has an optical code that contains the identification. A barcode or a sequence of digits or a QR code can be mentioned as a possibility for such an optical coding. In this case, the detection device of the pressing tool can have a reading device, via which the optical coding can be detected. This reading device can, for example, be a type of camera or a scanner for the optical coding.
• It is also possible for a die to be used in the pressing tool set, which die has a mechanical contact contour that provides the identification. In this case, the detection device has a mechanical scanning device for the mechanical contact contour. By way of non-limiting example only, the mechanical sensing device may include a stylus or roller that is moved along the mechanical contact contour. The sensed signal of the displacement of the stylus then contains the label. However, it is also possible for a row or a field of scanner pins to be pressed against a mechanical contact contour, with which the scanner pins are then deflected differently according to the mechanical contact contour and the identification coded with the contact contour can be detected based on the deflections of the scanner pins.
• It is also possible for the die to have an RFID unit, via which the identification is provided. The RFID unit emits a particularly high-frequency signal that contains the identifier. If the RFID unit is designed as a passive unit, it can be designed without its own power supply and can be supplied with electrical power in a manner known per se as a result of an external excitation by an excitation unit, which can also be part of the pressing tool. which then enables the signal containing the identification to be sent out. The detection device has a receiving device, by means of which the signal transmitted by the RFID unit can be received.
  • As a special form for this type of identification and/or transmission of the identification between the die and the pressing tool, a technology can be used which is referred to as near field communication (or "Near Field Communication", abbreviated to "NFC") will. This is an international transmission standard based on RFID technology for the contactless exchange of data via electromagnetic induction using loosely coupled coils over short distances of a few centimeters, with a maximum data transmission rate of 424 kbit/s. Here, a connectionless transmission can take place using passive HF-RFID tags according to ISO/IEC 14443 or ISO/IEC 1563 or a connection-based transmission between equivalent active transmitters.
  • With regard to further information on RFID and NFC that can be used within the scope of the invention, reference is made to the entry for "NFC" and "RFID" under Wikipedia (date of inspection October 11, 2018) and the references specified here as well as standard works and RFID and NFC related publications, in particular
    Klaus Finkenzeller: "RFID Handbook: Basics and practical applications of transponders, contactless chip cards and NFC", Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH + Co. KG, 7th edition, ISBN: 9783446439436
  referred.
• It is also possible for a die in a pressing tool set to have a radiation or light emitter, which transmits the identification encoded in a radiation or light signal. In this case, the detection device can have a receiver for a radiation or light signal. There are many possibilities for the type of radiation or light, the transmitter used in the die and/or the receiver used in the detection device of the pressing tool. For example, the transmitter can be an infrared sensor, a light cell or a diode. It is possible for the identifier to be coded in the form of the frequency and/or the amplitude of the emitted radiation or light signal, with other forms of transmission and coding known from transmission or communications technology also being able to be used.
• It is also possible for the identification to be transmitted via an inductive coupling between the die and the detection device. In this case, the identification is transmitted via electromagnetic induction, for what purpose For example, a signal can be transmitted between an interrogation unit and an associated transponder by switching a high-frequency magnetic field on and off, which can correspond to amplitude modulation. As a result, an electrical voltage is indicated in the coil of the transponder, which can then be rectified via a diode. However, other configurations are also possible.

• Möglich ist, dass es sich bei der Kennzeichnung um eine Kennzeichnung des Typs des Gesenks handelt, so dass mehrere baugleiche Gesenke oder auch Gesenke unterschiedlicher Bauart mit einem verbindenden charakteristischen Merkmal oder Einsatzzweck dieselbe Kennzeichnung aufweisen können.
• Möglich ist, aber (alternativ oder kumulativ) auch, dass die Kennzeichnung eindeutig und spezifisch für das jeweilige Gesenk ist, so dass diese ein-eindeutig ist und beispielsweise dem spezifischen Gesenk zugeordnete Kalibrierdaten, Soll-Presskraftverläufe verwendet werden können und in einer Prozessdokumentation exakt dokumentiert werden kann, welches Gesenk für das Verpressen eines Werkstücks eingesetzt worden ist.
• Schließlich ist auch möglich, dass die Kennzeichnung eine Authentifizierung des Gesenks ist, auf Grundlage welcher beispielsweise eine Prüfung möglich ist, ob ein Original-Gesenk und nicht ein nicht authentifiziertes Plagiat eingesetzt ist.

Within the scope of the invention, there are a variety of options for designing the identification of the die, which is detected by the detection device, of which a few examples are given below:

• It is possible that the identification is an identification of the type of die, so that several identical dies or dies of different designs with a connecting characteristic feature or intended use can have the same identification.
• It is possible, but also (alternatively or cumulatively) that the identification is clear and specific to the respective die, so that it is unambiguous and, for example, calibration data assigned to the specific die, target pressing force curves can be used and precisely documented in process documentation which die has been used for pressing a workpiece.
• Finally, it is also possible for the identification to be an authentication of the die, on the basis of which it is possible, for example, to check whether an original die and not an unauthenticated counterfeit is used.

• in einem Frequenzbereich von 1,5 GHz bis 3 GHz, vorzugsweise in einem Frequenzbereich von 2,0 bis 2,8 GHz oder 2,2 bis 2,6 GHz, oder
• in einem Frequenzbereich von 500 MHz ± 5 %, ± 10 % oder ± 20 %, 1800 MHz ± 5 %, ± 10 % oder ± 20 % oder 1900 MHz ± 5 %, ± 10 % oder ± 20 %

gilt. Hierbei kann die Strahlungsdurchlässigkeit insbesondere nach einem der Standards ASTM D4935-10, IEEE Std 299-2006, IEEEE Std 1128-1998 und ASTM A698/A698M-07 definiert sein.At least one exchangeable die in the pressing tool set preferably has a recess or an interior space. A transmitter unit, in particular an RFID unit, which transmits the identifier can then be arranged in the recess or the interior space. Alternatively or cumulatively, a transmitter unit for a position signal, in particular a GPS signal, can be arranged in the recess or the interior space, which can be, for example, from a GPS unit that can also be integrated into the interior space, the recess or another recess of the die , is generated. The interior or the recess can be open to the outside or a cover or a layer of paint or otherwise be closed cover, which also a transfer of moisture or dirt to the transmitter unit can be avoided and / or mechanical damage to the transmitter unit can be avoided. In this case, the cover, the lid or the lacquer layer is preferably made from a material which has good radiation transparency for the signal emitted by the transmitter unit. Preferably, the radiation transmittance of the cover, lid or lacquer layer is at least 20%, at least 50%, at least 100% or even at least 200% greater than the radiation transmittance of a base material of the die, this being in particular

• in a frequency range from 1.5 GHz to 3 GHz, preferably in a frequency range from 2.0 to 2.8 GHz or 2.2 to 2.6 GHz, or
• in a frequency range of 500 MHz ± 5%, ± 10% or ± 20%, 1800 MHz ± 5%, ± 10% or ± 20% or 1900 MHz ± 5%, ± 10% or ± 20%

is applicable. Here, the radiation transmittance can be defined in particular according to one of the standards ASTM D4935-10, IEEE Std 299-2006, IEEE Std 1128-1998 and ASTM A698/A698M-07.

The recess, which can be a milled-out section or a bore, is preferably arranged in a flange area of the die that is covered by the jaws of the tongs. In this case, a longitudinal extension of the recess or a bore for receiving the transmitter unit is preferably oriented transversely to the plane of the pliers head or pivot plane of the dies or arranged in this plane, whereby in the latter case the longitudinal axis can also be oriented parallel to the pressing force acting on the dies.

For one proposal of the invention, the electronic control unit has control logic that controls an output device. This activation of the output device takes place on the basis of the identification of the die detected by the detection device. Alternatively or additionally, the output device is controlled on the basis of data from the data memory that are specific to the detected identifier. In this case, the output device is actuated by the control unit in such a way that an output is generated that contains information about the type of workpiece that can be pressed with the die used in the pressing tool. For example, the output for the formation of the pressing tool as a crimping tool can contain information about which type or types of plugs, which cable or types of cables and/or which additional seal, if any, can be pressed with the die whose marking has been detected. Based on the information provided to the user via the output, the user can then select the plug and cable and, if applicable, the seal or check whether the die is suitable for the workpiece at hand. However, it is also possible for the user to recognize from the output that the existing die is not suitable for the workpiece to be pressed, so that the user can then use a different die in the pressing tool.

It is alternatively or cumulatively possible for the control unit of the electronic control unit to control an output from an output device or an entry into a data memory based on the identification of the die detected by the detection device and/or based on data from the or a data memory. The output or entry then includes information that the die is not authenticated for use in the die. In this way, the user can be informed or documented that, for example, a counterfeit die is used in the pressing tool or a die that is not suitable for the type of pressing tool used has been used in the die receptacle. In addition to generating the output or the entry, other measures can also be taken, such as generating a warning signal or warning tone. In extreme cases, the pressing tool can even be deactivated automatically in order to prevent it from being operated with an unauthenticated die.

Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the control logic of the control unit to load data from the data memory that is specific to the recorded identification of the die. The data are characteristic of a desired course of pressing force and/or a desired course of pressing travel. For example, the characteristic data can be a target pressing force profile over time, the target pressing force profile over the target pressing path profile, or maxima, minima, gradients, etc. of the target pressing force profile or the target pressing path profile. Characteristic data for different target pressing force profiles and/or target pressing path profiles, which are generated with different pressing tools, workpieces and/or dies, can thus be stored in the cloud. Based on the detected identification of the die (and possibly an additional selection of the pressing tool and / or the workpiece to be pressed) can then be loaded from the data memory for the detected Marking specific characteristic data done. In this case, the pressing tool has at least one sensor or switch. With the sensor or switch, an actual pressing force signal or an actual pressing travel signal can be detected while a pressing stroke is being run through which a workpiece is pressed in a pressing operation with the die arranged in the die receptacle. The control unit then has control logic, by means of which the pressing process is evaluated. This evaluation is carried out taking into account characteristic data on the one hand with regard to the target pressing force profile and/or the target pressing path profile and on the other hand with regard to the actual pressing force signal and/or the actual pressing path signal. To name just one explanatory example, the evaluation can be carried out by checking whether a maximum of the sensed actual pressing force signal is within a specified tolerance range around the maximum of the desired pressing force profile. Depending on the result of the evaluation, an output can then be sent to an output device, appropriate documentation can be provided, the pressing process can be aborted or the pressing tool can be deactivated for further pressing processes and the like.

It is alternatively or cumulatively possible for a workpiece specification device to be present. A workpiece specification of a workpiece which is to be pressed with the pressing tool can be entered or recorded by means of the workpiece specification device. For example, a workpiece number specific to the workpiece or the plug can be entered on the external electronic control unit, in particular the laptop, PC or smartphone, using a keyboard or a control panel (cf. the contact numbers such as 25291 of plugs according to the brochure "Tools for the professional Application" of the applicant, publication reference 10/2011 and possibly also a number of the cable to be pressed with the connector) can be entered or selected. However, it is also possible, for example, for the workpiece to be captured using a camera on the smartphone, tablet or laptop or an external camera and for image recognition to identify the workpiece and, based on this, to assign a workpiece specification. It is also possible for the workpiece specification device to have a barcode scanner, which then captures a barcode that specifies the workpiece. For these configurations, the electronic control unit has control logic which, on the one hand based on the identification of the die detected by the detection device and on the other hand on the basis of the workpiece specification, analyzes whether the die is suitable for pressing the workpiece with of the workpiece specification. For this analysis, the electronic control unit can access the cloud memory, where the permissible combinations of dies and workpieces are stored in a suitable form so that they can be called up. Depending on the result of the analysis, an entry is then generated in a documentation and/or an output is generated for the user.

A further solution to the problem on which the invention is based is a method for pressing a workpiece, as specified in patent claims 13 to 15 .

Advantageous developments of the invention result from the patent claims, the description and the drawings. The advantages of features and combinations of several features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can have an effect alternatively or cumulatively without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention. Without the subject matter of the attached patent claims being changed as a result, the following applies with regard to the disclosure content of the original application documents and the patent: further features can be found in the drawings - in particular the illustrated geometries and the relative dimensions of several components to one another as well as their relative arrangement and operative connection. The combination of features of different embodiments of the invention or features of different patent claims is also possible, deviating from the selected dependencies of the patent claims and is hereby suggested. This also applies to those features that are shown in separate drawings or are mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features of different patent claims. Likewise, features listed in the patent claims can be omitted for further embodiments of the invention.

The features mentioned in the patent claims and the description are to be understood with regard to their number in such a way that exactly this number or a larger number than the number mentioned is present without the need for an explicit use of the adverb "at least". So if, for example, an element is mentioned, this is to be understood in such a way that exactly one element, two elements or more elements are present. These characteristics may be complemented by other characteristics or they may be the only characteristics that make up the product in question.

The reference signs contained in the claims do not limit the scope of the subject-matter protected by the claims. They only serve the purpose of making the claims easier to understand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

zeigt schematisiert ein Presswerkzeug-Netzwerk mit einem ein Presswerkzeug und ein auswechselbares Gesenk aufweisenden Presswerkzeug-Set, einer externen elektronischen Steuereinheit und einem externen Datenspeicher.

Fig. 2

zeigt schematisch ein Verfahren zum Verpressen eines Werkstücks mit einem Presswerkzeug.

Fig. 3

zeigt in einer räumlichen Darstellung zwei Gesenke mit jeweils darin angeordneten Sendeeinheiten für eine Kennzeichnung.

Fig. 4

zeigt in einer räumlichen Darstellung eine alternative Ausführungsform von zwei Gesenken mit jeweils darin angeordneten Sendeeinheiten für eine Kennzeichnung.

The invention is further explained and described below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures.

1

shows a schematic of a pressing tool network with a pressing tool set having a pressing tool and an interchangeable die, an external electronic control unit and an external data memory.

2

shows schematically a method for pressing a workpiece with a pressing tool.

3

shows a three-dimensional representation of two dies, each with transmitter units for a marking arranged therein.

4

shows a three-dimensional representation of an alternative embodiment of two dies, each with transmitter units for a marking arranged therein.

FIGURE DESCRIPTION

1 shows a pressing tool set 1. The pressing tool set 1 has a pressing tool 2 and interchangeable pairs of dies 3,4. For the exemplary embodiment shown, the pressing tool 2 is a pair of crimping pliers 5 , which are designed here as crimping pliers 6 . The pressing tongs 5 are actuated by the user by manually actuating the hand levers 7, 8. The hand levers 7, 8 are connected to die receptacles 10, 11 via a drive connection 9, not shown here, in such a way that the relative pivoting of the hand levers 7, 8 to each other an opening or closing movement of the die receptacles 10, 11 results. For forming the pressing tool 2 as a pressing tongs 5 the die receptacles 10, 11 are designed as tong jaws 12, 13. The drive connection 9 extends inside a housing 14 of a mechanical tong head 15.

The pressing tool 2 has an electronics assembly or electronics unit 16 which is arranged adjacent to the die receptacles 10,11. For the illustrated embodiment, the electronics assembly 16 is held on the housing 14 of the mechanical pliers head 15, with the electronics assembly 16 preferably being arranged on both sides of the mechanical pliers head 15, with the electronics assembly partially or completely surrounding the mechanical pliers head 15 can extend. With regard to the structural design of the electronic unit 16, the electrical or electronic design of the electronic unit 16 and/or the connection of the electronic unit 16 to the mechanical pliers head 15, reference is made to the unpublished European patent application with the official file number EP 18 173 803.0 referenced, which is made the subject of the present patent application.

The force flow of the pressing force acting on a die 3 runs at least partially via a sensor 17 which detects a pressing force acting on the die 3 . With regard to the possibilities of designing the sensor 17 and its integration into a pressing tool, here with a division of the pressing force into a partial pressing force that acts on the sensor 17 and another partial pressing force that is guided past the sensor 17 in a mechanical parallel circuit, no reference is made to the previously published European patent application EP 17 168 040.8-1809 referenced, which is made the subject of the present patent application.

The dies 3, 4 each have an identifier 18, 19 which is specific to the associated die 3, 4 or the type of die 3, 4.

The electronics assembly 16 has an identification processing unit 20 which has a detection device 21 , an electronic control unit 22 , an output device 23 and an interface 24 .

The identification processing unit 20 communicates on the one hand with the sensor 17 for the purpose of transmitting an actual pressing force signal 25 measured by the sensor 17 during the pressing stroke. It is possible for the sensor 17 or another sensor to also determine an actual pressing travel signal 26 during the pressing stroke. The tag processing unit 20, here the detection device 21 detects the markings 18, 19 of the dies 3, 4. As mentioned above, this can be done by detecting the marking 18, 19 in the form of an optical coding by a camera or a scanner or a reading device of the detection device 21, a detection of a marking in the form of a mechanical contact contour by a mechanical scanning device, by an RFID unit 27, 28 of the die 3, 4, which emits the identifier 18, 19, which is then detected by the detection device 21, a near-field communication or a radiation or light transmitter 29 , 30 of the dies 3, 4, the transmitted light or radiation of which contains the identification 18, 19 in coded form and is detected by the detection device 21, or by an inductive coupling between the die 3, 4 and the detection device 21, to name just a few, the invention give non-limiting examples.

The identification processing unit 20 (or the electronics unit 16) communicates via the interface 24 with an external electronic control unit 31, which can be designed as a PC, tablet, laptop or smartphone. The electronic control unit 31 has an output device 32, a data memory 33 and a workpiece specification device 34. The communication 35 between the interface 24 and the electronic control unit 31 preferably takes place bidirectionally. The electronic control unit 31 is also in communication 36 via suitable interfaces with a data memory 37 (arranged externally from the control unit 31 and the pressing tool set 1), which is a cloud memory 38.

The pressing tool set 1 communicates by means of the communication 35 with the control unit 31, which in turn communicates with the data memory 37 by means of the communication 36, with which a pressing tool network 39 is formed.

2 shows a process for pressing a workpiece:
In a method step 40, a user selects dies 3, 4 from a plurality of pairs of dies and inserts them into die receptacles 10, 11 of a pressing tool 2.

In a method step 41, the identifications 18, 19 of the dies 3, 4 are detected by the detection device 21. As explained above, this can be done by detecting an optical identification such as a barcode or QR code using a reading device, by mechanically scanning a scanning contour of the dies 3, 4, by receiving a signal from an RFID unit 27, 28, which is assigned to a respective die 3, 4, by the detection device 21, by inductive coupling and the like.

In a method step 42, the detected identifiers 18, 19 are processed by the control unit 22. It is possible for an output to be made at the output device 23 on the basis of this processing. For example, it can be displayed on the output device 23 which specific die 3, 4 (for example with a current die number) or which type of die is involved. It is also possible for the number of working strokes that the dies 3, 4 have already passed to be displayed on the output device 23, with a request for the replacement of the dies 3, 4 can be displayed. It is possible that information required for this evaluation, such as the number of working strokes performed by the dies 3, 4, which are counted by a suitable counting device of the pressing tool 2, an assignment of the different identifiers 18, 19 of different pairs of dies to a type of the workpiece and the like are stored in a storage unit of the tag processing unit 20 or the electronic unit 16. However, this is not the case for the exemplary embodiment described here.

Rather, in a method step 43, the identification 18, 19 (or information determined therefrom as a result of the processing by the control unit 22) is transmitted via the interface 24 by means of the communication 35 to the control unit 31, which is, for example, a smartphone or a Tablet acts. In this case, the transmission preferably takes place wirelessly by means of WLAN or Bluetooth or by cable.

In a method step 44, the control unit 31 in turn transmits the identifiers 18, 19 (or the information determined from them, possibly also with further processing by the control unit 31) by means of the communication 36 to the data memory 37, which is designed as a cloud memory 38. An assignment of the identification 18, 19 or the information determined therefrom to types or components of workpieces that can be machined with the dies 3, 4 assigned to the identifications 18, 19 is stored in the data memory 37.

In view of this assignment and a communication to the control unit 31 and/or the control unit 22, the information can be made available in a method step 45 in the control unit 31 and/or 22 for which workpiece, which type of workpieces or which types of workpieces or assemblies of which the dies 3, 4 arranged in the die seats 10, 11 are intended.

This information can be brought to the attention of the user via the output device 23 and/or 32 in a method step 46 . For example, in method step 46, the display of the smartphone can show the user which plugs, which cable and/or which seals can be used for crimping with the dies 3, 4 used in the pressing tool 2.

It is also possible, for example, that the user enters a product or type number of the workpiece or components via the workpiece specification device 34 of the control unit 31 and the control unit 31 indicates to the user that the crimping of this workpiece or the component thereof with the dies 3, 4 is allowed or not.

It is optionally and alternatively or cumulatively possible that in a method step 47 the control unit 31 is made available from the data memory 37 for the detected markings 18, 19 specific data 48, which is a target pressing force curve 49 and/or a target -Press path course 50, gradients of the same, maxima, minima, etc. can act. If a workpiece is then pressed with the pressing tool 2 , the actual pressing force signal 25 detected by the sensor 17 and/or the actual pressing path signal 26 is transmitted from the control unit 22 to the control unit 31 by means of the communication 35 . In a method step 51, the control unit 31 then carries out an evaluation of the pressing process, taking into account or comparing the target pressing force curve 49 and/or the target pressing path curve 50 on the one hand and the actual pressing force signal 25 and/or the actual pressing path signal 26. Such an evaluation can be used on the one hand to check whether the use of the dies 3, 4 used is permissible for the workpiece pressed therein, since pressing an unsuitable workpiece (in particular with an unsuitable diameter, an unsuitable rigidity and/or an unsuitable matching geometry) to a deviation of the actual pressing force signal 25 from the setpoint pressing force curve 49 outside of a tolerance range (which can also be made available by the data memory 37 via the communication 36 of the control unit 31). Even However, if a permissible workpiece can be pressed with the dies 3, 4, the comparison can be used to monitor the process to determine whether the workpiece has been correctly inserted into the dies 3, 4 and the pressing stroke has been carried out properly. If this is not the case, the actual pressing force signal 25 is also outside the tolerance range of the setpoint pressing force curve 49. A corresponding output can then be generated via the output device 32, for example an output such that the workpiece for pressing with the dies 3 , 4 was permissible or not, the press stroke was completed correctly or not, or it is even possible to display the actual press force signal over time or over the actual press path signal and/or the target press force curve over time or over the target press path curve ( possibly also with a representation of the tolerance range), with which the user is also informed where the actual pressing force signal 25 was within the tolerance range and whether the tolerance range may have been exceeded.

Documentation can then take place in a method step 52 in that an entry is made in a data memory of the pressing tool 2, ie the electronics assembly 16 or the identification processing unit 20, in the data memory 33 and/or the data memory 37.

To name just one example that does not limit the invention, the entry in the date on which the press stroke was carried out, the detected identification 18, 19, any data recorded or entered via the workpiece specification device 34 on the workpiece used, data on the result of the Evaluation of the pressing process such as the actual pressing force signal 25 and/or the actual pressing path signal 26 exist.

Optionally, by means of the workpiece specification device 34, which can be based on an image acquisition of a workpiece to be pressed with an image recognition for the recognition of the workpiece or the components thereof or on a manual numerical input, a specification of the workpiece which is to be pressed with the pressing tool 2, respectively. This can then also be documented in method step 52 by an entry. It is also possible for the control unit 31 to then check whether the specified workpiece and the dies 3 , 4 are a permissible combination, with the result then being able to be displayed via the output device 34 . It is alternatively or cumulatively possible that for the specified workpiece from the data memory 37 specific characteristic data 48 of the control unit 31 for the specific workpiece as well as for the combination Die 3, 4/specified workpiece specific target pressing force profiles 49 and target pressing path profiles 50 are made available, which can then be used as a basis for the evaluation described above. It is also possible that, based on the specification of the workpiece to be pressed, recorded by the workpiece specification device 34 or entered into it, the user is shown on a display device which suitable die must be inserted into the die receptacle.

It is also possible for the identification processing unit 20 or the electronics assembly 16 to have a GPS unit, by means of which a position of the pressing tool 2 can be automatically recognized. The position identified in this way can then be transmitted to the external electronic control unit 31 via the communication 35 . The position of the pressing tool 2 can then be displayed to the user on the external electronic control unit 31, possibly also with instructions on how to get to the pressing tool 2. In this way, the user can easily find the pressing tool 2 again if he has put it down somewhere. However, it is also possible for the die 3, 4 to have a GPS unit whose signal can then be transmitted (via the electronic unit 16 or independently of it) to the external electronic control unit 31, which is then also transmitted to the external electronic control unit 31 the position of the die is known and can be displayed.

As a further option, the pressing tool 2 can also enable communication with a storage device for the pressing tool 2 and preferably for a large number of other tools. For example, the storage device is a tool box, a tool trolley or a tool dispenser. The storage facility is informed by means of the communication that the pressing tool 2 is located in the storage facility. This can be done automatically, for example, in that when the pressing tool 2 is arranged in the storage device, a signal emitted by the pressing tool 2 and specifying the pressing tool 2 is arranged in the reception range of a receiver of the storage device. The storage facility can then provide a user with an overview of the tools arranged in the storage facility and in particular provide information as to whether the pressing tool 2 is in the storage facility or not. The same applies to the dies 3, 4.

3 shows dies 3, 4, in each of which a transmission unit 53, 54 for the markings 18, 19 is integrated. It is entirely possible for the transmitter units 53, 54 to have a battery or a rechargeable accumulator, so that they can actively transmit the identifier 18, 19, which is triggered in particular by a suitable activation signal from the identifier processing unit 20. However, the transmitter units are preferably 53, 54 designed as RFID units 27, 28. According to 3 the dies 3, 4 have recesses 55, 56, which are designed as blind holes 57, 58 here. The transmitter units 53, 54 are accommodated with a precise fit in the recesses 55, 56, for which purpose the transmitter units 53, 54 can be designed, for example, in the manner of a button cell or cylindrical. It is possible for a housing of the transmitter units 53, 54 to be oriented in a joining direction 59, in which the transmitter units 53, 54 can be inserted into the recesses 55, 56 and which can correspond to the longitudinal axis of the blind bores 57, 58, or in the opposite direction thereto in the die 3 , 4 are freely accessible, so that the identification 18, 19 transmitted by the transmitting unit 53, 54 is not impeded or weakened by the dies 3, 4. It is also possible for the detection device 21 of the identification processing unit 20 to be arranged in the area of the axis specified by the joining direction 59, so that the identification 18, 19 transmitted by the transmitter units 53, 54 can be received without deflection. It is also possible that after the insertion of the transmitter units 53, 54 in the associated recess 55, 56, the transmitter unit 53 is covered on the outside, ie opposite to the joining direction 59, by a layer of lacquer. This lacquer layer is intended to allow the signal transmitted by the transmission units 53, 54, which signal contains the identification 18, 19, to pass through without this signal being weakened or damped too much. In addition, the lacquer layer can seal off an interior space in the recess 55, 56, in which the transmission unit 53, 54 is accommodated, from the outside, with the result that the ingress of moisture and/or dirt can be avoided. Finally, it is possible for the lacquer layer to protect the transmission unit 53, 54 from mechanical damage. A housing of the transmitter unit 53, 54 or the lacquer layer or some other covering is preferably formed flush with an outer surface 60 of the die 3, 4.

For the embodiments according to 3 and 4 are the dies 3, 4 basically designed as this in the Patent DE 198 02 287 C1 is described. This is explained using the example of die 3 , the corresponding also applying to die 4 . The die 3 has a flange portion 61 and a die portion 62. The flange portion 61 is plate-shaped and with a transition fit or a Game between jaw plates of the associated jaw 12 added. The flange area 61 has a through hole 63 which is oriented transversely to the crimping force acting on the die 3 and transversely to the pivoting plane of the dies 3, 4 and thus of the pliers jaws 12, 13. In the mounted state on the pressing tongs 5, a fastening screw or a fastening pin extends through the through hole 63, which is held in both end areas in the said jaw plates of the associated jaw 12. A step 65 can be present in a transition area 64 between the flange area 61 and the die area 62 without this being absolutely necessary. In the transition region 64, a base body of the die 3 has two bores 66, 67 oriented parallel to one another, which are oriented vertically to the crimping force acting on the die 3 and vertically to the pivoting plane of the dies 3, 4. In the bores 66, 67 bearing elements 68, 69 are held. The bearing elements 68, 69 are preferably in the form of pins or bolts which are accommodated in the bores 66, 67 with a precise fit. When the die 3 is installed in the jaw 12, the end areas of the bearing elements 68, 69 that protrude from the flange area 61, in this case the semi-cylindrical outer surfaces of the pins or bolts, rest in correspondingly shaped concave receptacles in the jaw plates, which means that the die 3 is guaranteed on the associated jaw 12.

The die area 62 protrudes in the direction of the other die from the jaw plates and is used to form the die contour 70. With regard to further details on the basic configuration of the dies 3, 4, reference is made to FIGS Patent DE 198 02 287 C1 referred.

For the embodiment according to 3 the transmitter unit 53, 54 is arranged in the flange area 61, whereby the transmitter units 53, 54 can be protected by the tong jaw plates when the dies 3, 4 are mounted in the pressing tongs 5. The recess 55, 56 is preferably located on the side of the flange area 61 facing away from the die area 62.

4 shows another example for the integration of the transmitter units 53, 54 in the dies 3, 4. The transmitter units 53, 54 are also arranged in the flange area 61 of the dies 3, 4 here. However, the recesses 55, 56, here blind holes 57, 58, are arranged with an extension in the plane of the pliers head, with an extension direction of the recesses 55, 56 or the blind holes 57, 58 preferably being parallel to the pressing force are oriented. The pressing tongs 5 preferably form a cavity in the region of an axis predetermined by the joining direction 59, in particular between the jaw plates, which ensures good signal transmission. The identification processing unit 20 or the detection device 21 can then directly adjoin this cavity, or further components or material regions can be arranged between the cavity and the detection device 21 .

Various other ways of integrating the transmission units 53, 54 in the dies 3, 4 are possible. To name just a few, non-limiting examples, a recess or an interior space of a die 3, 4, in which the transmission unit 53, 54 is arranged, can be closed by a cover. It is also possible for the flange area 61 or even the entire die 3 to be formed with two half-shells, which form the interior space for receiving the transmitter unit 53, 54, with the two half-shells being connected to one another with a material fit, for example by gluing or welding, while sealing the interior space could be.

The distance between a transmitter unit 53, 54 and an associated detection device 21 is preferably less than 3 cm, less than 2 cm, less than 1.5 cm or even less than 1 cm, with this distance being at least partly due to the previously explained cavity of the pressing tongs 5 extends, which ensures good signal transmission.

If the identification 18, 19 or the transmission unit 53, 54 has an RFID, the same applies to an excitation signal transmitted by the identification processing unit 20 for supplying energy to the RFID.

REFERENCE LIST

1

Press tool set

2

pressing tool

3

die

4

die

5

pressing pliers

6

crimping tool

7

hand lever

8th

hand lever

9

drive connection

10

swaging

11

swaging

12

pincer jaw

13

pincer jaw

14

housing

15

mechanical pliers head

16

electronics assembly

17

sensor

18

Labelling

19

Labelling

20

Identification processing unit

21

detection device

22

electronic control unit

23

output device

24

interface

25

Actual press force signal

26

Actual press travel signal

27

RFID unit

28

RFID unit

29

Radiation or light emitter

30

Radiation or light emitter

31

external electronic control unit

32

output device

33

data storage

34

workpiece specification facility

35

communication

36

communication

37

data storage

38

Cloud storage

39

press tool network

40

process step

41

process step

42

process step

43

process step

44

process step

45

process step

46

process step

47

process step

48

Data

49

Target pressing force curve

50

Desired press path course

51

process step

52

process step

53

transmitter unit

54

transmitter unit

55

recess

56

recess

57

blind hole

58

blind hole

59

joining direction

60

outer surface

61

flange area

62

die area

63

through hole

64

transition area

65

step

66

drilling

67

drilling

68

bearing element

69

bearing element

70

die contour

Claims (15)

1. Pressing tool network (39) comprising a pressing tool (2) being a hand pressing tool which is actuated manually by the application of forces by a user on hand levers of the hand pressing tool, for pressing a workpiece by use of a die accommodation (10, 11) for accommodating an exchangeable die (3, 4), the pressing tool (2) comprising a sensing device (21) which is configured for sensing an identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4), a control unit (31) being provided which is embodied externally from the pressing tool (2) and arranged remote therefrom, the control unit (31) communicating with the sensing device (21) of the pressing tool (2), wherein the electronic control unit (31) which is arranged externally from the pressing tool (2) communicates with a cloud storage (38) via a public network by use of an encryption.
2. Pressing tool network (39) of claim 1, characterised in that the pressing tool (2) are pressing pliers (5) being actuated manually via hand levers (8, 9).
3. Pressing tool network (39) of claim 2, characterised in that the sensing device (21) and/or an electronic control unit (22) are/is arranged in the region of a pliers head (15) of the pressing pliers (5).
4. Pressing tool network (39) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensing device (21) is arranged in the region of or adjacent to the die accommodation (10, 11).
5. Pressing tool network (39) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that

   a) the sensing device (21) comprises a reading device for an identification (18, 19) being embodied as an optical coding and/or

   b) the sensing device (21) comprises a mechanical sensing or capturing device for an identification (18, 19) being embodied as a mechanical contact contour and/or

   c) the sensing device (21) comprises a receiving unit receiving a signal sent by an RFID-unit (27, 28) of the die (3, 4), the signal being or containing the identification (18, 19), and/or

   d) the sensing device (21) comprising a receiver for receiving a radiation signal or light signal forming or containing the identification (18, 19) and/or

   e) the identification (18, 19) is transmitted via an inductive coupling between the die (3, 4) and the sensing device (21).
6. Pressing tool network (39) of one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensed identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4)

   a) is an identification of the type of the die (3, 4) and/or

   b) is an unique specific identification of the die (3, 4) and/or

   c) is an authentication of the die (3, 4).
7. Pressing tool network (39) of one of the preceding claims comprising

   a) at least one exchangeable die (3, 4) comprising an identification (18, 19),

   b) the sensing device (21) of the pressing tool (2) being configured for sensing the identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4).
8. Pressing tool network (39) of claim 7, characterised in that the exchangeable die (3, 4) comprises a transmitting unit (53, 54) for the identification (18, 19) and/or a position signal, the transmitting unit (53, 54) being arranged in a recess (55; 56) or in an interior chamber.
9. Pressing tool network (39) of one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the or an electronic control unit (22; 31) comprises control logic which on the basis of the identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4) sensed by the sensing device (21) and/or on the basis of data (48) from the cloud storage (38) or a data storage (33) being specific for the sensed identification controls an output of an output device (23; 32) which contains information with respect to the type of a tool which can be crimped by the die (3, 4) inserted into the pressing tool (2).
10. Pressing tool network (39) of one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the electronic control unit (22, 31) comprises control logic which on the basis of the identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4) sensed by the sensing device (21) and/or on the basis of data (48) from the cloud storage (38) or from a data storage (33) controls an output of an output device (23; 32) and/or an entry into the cloud storage (38) or a data storage (33) which contains information that the die (3, 4) is not authenticated for the use in the pressing tool (2).
11. Pressing toot network (39) of one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that

    a) the or an electronic control unit (22; 31) comprises control logic which loads characteristic data (48) for a desired pressing force curve (49) and/or for a desired pressing stroke curve (50) being specific for the sensed identification (18, 19) from the cloud storage (38) or a data storage (33),

    b) the pressing tool (2) comprises at least one sensor (17) or switch for sensing an actual pressing force signal (25) and/or an actual pressing displacement signal (26) when executing the pressing stroke during which in a pressing process a workpiece is pressed by the die (3, 4) arranged in the die accommodation (10, 11) and

    c) an or the electronic control unit (22; 31) comprises control logic by which the pressing process is evaluated under consideration of characteristic data

    ca) of the desired pressing force curve (49) and/or the desired pressing displacement curve (50) and

    cb) the actual pressing force signal (25) and/or the actual pressing displacement signal (26).
12. Pressing tool network (39) of one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that

    a) a device (34) for specifying the workpiece is provided by which a specifier of a workpiece which is intended for being pressed by the pressing tool (2) can be sensed or input,

    b) an or the electronic control unit (22; 31) comprises control logic which

    ba) on the basis of the identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4) sensed by the sensing device (21) and

    bb) on the basis of the specifier of the workpiece
    analyses if the die (3, 4) is suitable for pressing the workpiece having the workpiece specifier, and which on the basis of the result of the analysis generates an entry and/or an output.
13. Method for pressing a workpiece by use of a pressing tool network (39) of one of claims 1 to 12, wherein

    a) a die (3, 4) is inserted in or used by the pressing tool (2),

    b) the identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4) is sensed by the sensing device (21) of the pressing tool (2),

    c) data (48) is loaded by use of an encryption from the cloud storage (38) via a public network, the data containing information being specific for the sensed identification (18, 19), the information indicating at least one type of a workpiece that can be pressed by the die (3, 4) used by or inserted into the pressing tool (2), and

    d) information is output by an output device (23; 32) concerning the at least one type of workpiece which can be crimped by the die (3, 4).
14. Method for pressing a workpiece with a pressing tool network (39) of one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that

    a) a die (3, 4) is used by or inserted in the pressing tool (2),

    b) the identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4) is sensed by the sensing device (21) of the pressing tool (2),

    c) characteristic data (48) for a desired pressing force curve (49) and/or a desired pressing displacement curve (50) being specific for the sensed identification (18, 19) is loaded from the cloud storage (38) via a public network by use of an encryption,

    d) a sensor (17) senses an actual pressing force signal (25) and/or and actual pressing displacement signal (26) when running through the pressing stroke by which in a pressing process a workpiece is pressed by the die (3, 4),

    e) an evaluation of the pressing process is provided under consideration of

    ea) the data (48) concerning the desired pressing force curve (49) and/or the desired pressing displacement curve (50) and

    eb) the actual pressing force signal (25) and/or the actual pressing displacement signal (26).
15. Method for pressing a workpiece with a pressing tool network (39) of one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that

    a) a workpiece specifier of a workpiece which is designated for being pressed by the pressing tool (2) is sensed or input by use of a device (34) for specifying the workpiece,

    b) on the basis of the identification (18, 19) of the die (3, 4) sensed by the sensing device (21) and on the basis of the workpiece specifier it is analysed if the die (3, 4) is suitable for pressing the workpiece having the workpiece specifier, and

    c) dependent on the result of the analysis an entry and/or an output is generated.

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