Multicore cable conductor separating and sorting process - arranging cores in prescribed sequence for subsequent connection to terminal blocks or couplers

摘要

The process allows automatic or semi-automatic termination and connection of multicore cables. When the cable sheath has been removed the cores are untwisted and laid out on a flat surface, each core touching the next. At this stage the sequence of the cores is arbitrary. In the ensuing stage each core is separated from its neighbour, e.g. by a series of prongs, and a set distance between cores determined. The spacing is maintained by a guide or former, e.g. in the shape of a comb. The actual sequence of cores is then compared with the required sequence. To obtain the correct ordering a second comb is moved transversely over the first, and is positioned successively over the fixed comb so that cores can be lifted from the latter and placed in correct sequence. Both combs have the same spacing. When all the cores are arranged in their correct order they are dropped back into the stationary comb. The next operation can then follow, e.g. stripping the core ends and attaching terminals.