A straight connector crimping mechanism and method of use thereof

Abstract

The application provides a straight connector crimping mechanism and a use method thereof, which comprises a fixing table assembly, a support frame, a pressing assembly and a handle assembly; the fixing table assembly comprises a fixing table, a longitudinal limiting block and a transverse limiting block, the longitudinal limiting block and the transverse limiting block position the PCB back plate on the fixing table; the support frame is slidingly connected to the fixing table, and the pressing assembly is installed on the support frame; the pressing assembly comprises a double-end screw rod and a triangular stable pressing mechanism composed of a right sliding block, a left sliding block and a connecting rod, so that the bottom connecting block is stably lifted and lowered; the connecting block is connected with a pressing column at the bottom end, and the pressing column is provided with a limiting sleeve to limit the downward movement of the connecting block; and the handle assembly is connected to the end of the double-end screw rod to control the rotation thereof. The straight connector crimping mechanism and the use method thereof can quickly and stably crimp the straight connector to the PCB back plate, the mechanism can be applied to the crimping of connectors of different models of PCB back plates, and has the advantages of low manufacturing cost and convenient operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector crimping tools, and more specifically to a straight connector crimping mechanism and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In the assembly of straight connectors to PCB backplanes, the straight connectors need to be crimped onto the PCB backplane for fixation. Traditional crimping is done manually, requiring considerable strength from the worker. Furthermore, because the force applied varies each time, it easily leads to poor product quality stability and inconsistent quality. To overcome the strength requirements of the crimping process and improve crimping stability, many manual and electric crimping machines have emerged on the market. Electric crimping machines have high purchase and maintenance costs, making them suitable for large-scale production; while small-scale production and research experiments tend to use manual crimping machines.

[0003] Because PCB backplanes come in many different specifications and the connector positions on them are variable, existing manual crimping equipment cannot be matched to crimp connectors for various PCB backplane specifications. For example, patent CN210120714U discloses a novel tooling for crimping ERNI ERmet2.0mm HM series connectors onto circuit boards. This tooling includes a manual press and two types of pads. The pads have openings corresponding to the openings on the circuit board, and the opening sizes are matched to the corresponding connector types. During use, the pad and slot can be selected according to the connector model, and the pad is placed directly under the rectangular electrical connector to be crimped onto the circuit board.

[0004] In the aforementioned existing patents, openings matching the connector are required on the pad and circuit board to complete the crimping of circuit boards and connectors of limited specifications, which cannot meet the crimping requirements of circuit boards and connectors of different specifications. Furthermore, the single-arm linear pressing method using gears and racks in the above solutions has poor stability during operation and cannot lock well, affecting the reliability of the linear actuator.

[0005] Based on the above shortcomings, a straight connector crimping mechanism and its usage method are proposed, which has good stability and can be matched with different PCB backplanes for connector crimping. It can effectively ensure the crimping accuracy requirements and has a wide range of applications. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention proposes a straight connector crimping mechanism and its usage method, which can quickly and stably crimp straight connectors to PCB backplanes. This mechanism is applicable to the crimping of connectors on different types of PCB backplanes and has the advantages of low manufacturing cost and convenient operation.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives and effects, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems through the following technical solutions:

[0008] A straight connector crimping mechanism includes a fixed platform assembly, a support frame, a pressing assembly, and a handle assembly. The fixed platform assembly includes a fixed platform, a longitudinal limiting block, and a transverse limiting block. Threaded positioning holes are evenly distributed on the fixed platform, and the longitudinal and transverse limiting blocks are positioned by fasteners engaging with the threaded positioning holes. Two parallel sliding grooves are formed on both sides of the fixed platform, and an clearance groove is formed in the middle of the fixed platform. The support frame includes a portal-shaped support base at the bottom and two uprights mounted on the top of the support base. Support feet at both ends of the support base are slidably connected to the sliding grooves on both sides of the fixed platform.

[0009] The pressing assembly is mounted on the support frame and includes a double-ended screw installed between two columns, a left slider and a right slider that are threaded to both ends of the double-ended screw, and the left slider and right slider are connected to the connecting block below by connecting rods; the bottom end of the connecting block is connected to the pressing column, the pressing column passes through the longitudinal through hole of the support base and is connected to a balancing block, and a limiting sleeve is fitted on the upper part of the pressing column to limit the downward movement of the connecting block; the handle assembly is connected to the end of the double-ended screw to control its rotation.

[0010] In the above solution, the PCB backplate achieves flexible positioning on the fixed platform through longitudinal and transverse limiting blocks. This structure, in conjunction with the sliding support frame, ensures that the pre-installed straight connector is located below the balancing pressure block of the pressing component, and the bottom of the straight connector corresponds to the clearance groove of the fixed platform, avoiding stress on the back pins of the connector during the crimping process.

[0011] The pressing assembly employs a triangular stable pressing structure consisting of a double-headed screw, left and right sliders, and a connecting rod, ensuring stable pressing of the balancing block during the pressing process. A limiting sleeve restricts the maximum downward movement of the connecting block, effectively controlling the pressing force to prevent over-pressing and significantly improving pressing efficiency.

[0012] Furthermore, there are two handle assemblies, respectively disposed at both ends of the double-ended screw; each handle assembly includes a rotating shaft coaxially fixed to the double-ended screw, a handle housing rotatably connected to the rotating shaft, and a ratchet mechanism that transmits the unidirectional rotation of the handle housing to the rotating shaft; the handle assemblies installed at both ends control the double-ended screw to rotate in opposite directions respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, the ratchet mechanism is installed inside the handle housing and includes a ratchet fixed to a rotating shaft, a pawl mounted on the handle housing that engages with the ratchet, and a torsion spring that presses the pawl against the ratchet.

[0014] Furthermore, the handle housing includes a handle disc and a handle cover, with a rotating shaft passing through the handle disc axis and fixedly connected to a ratchet, and pawls and torsion springs mounted on the handle disc; the pawls and torsion springs are multiple sets arranged along the circumference of the ratchet.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a molding die that mates with the top of the through connector. The molding die includes a molding die body with a gate-shaped structure. Multiple fins are provided between the two side walls of the body to mate with the connection terminals of the through connector. The two side walls of the molding die body are chamfered.

[0016] Furthermore, the support feet at both ends of the support base are inserted into the sliding groove and slide in cooperation with the groove body, and a sliding locking device is configured to limit the sliding of the support frame.

[0017] Furthermore, the sliding locking device includes a locking block located in a locking groove on the back of the fixed platform. The locking block is connected to the bottom of the support frame by a locking screw to adjust the fitting gap between the support frame and the fixed platform.

[0018] The above-mentioned straight connector crimping mechanism is used in the following steps:

[0019] S1: Pre-install the through connector on the PCB backplane and place the PCB backplane on the mounting platform;

[0020] S2: Adjust the positions of the longitudinal limit block, the transverse limit block, and the support frame so that the edge of the PCB backplate is close to the longitudinal limit block and the transverse limit block, and the through connector is located directly below the balance pressure block.

[0021] S3: The handle assembly drives the double-headed screw to rotate, causing the left and right sliders to slide inward synchronously, and the balance block to press down steadily until it is stopped by the limit sleeve, and hold for 10 seconds;

[0022] S4: The handle assembly drives the double-headed screw to rotate in the opposite direction, causing the left and right sliders to slide outwards synchronously, so that the balance block rises steadily until the balance block is moved to the upper limit and stops.

[0023] S5: Remove the PCB backplate and complete the crimping of the through connector.

[0024] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. The straight connector crimping mechanism of the present invention, through the cooperation of longitudinal limiting block, transverse limiting block and support frame, can realize the rapid positioning of PCB back plate and ensure that the pre-installed straight connector is located below the balance pressure block of the pressing component. The bottom of the straight connector corresponds to the clearance groove of the fixed platform, and the PCB back plate positioning operation is simple.

[0026] 2. In this invention, the pressing component adopts a triangular stable pressing structure composed of a double-headed screw, left and right sliders, and connecting rods, ensuring stable pressing of the balance block. Furthermore, the limiting sleeve limits the pressing stroke of the balance plate, effectively controlling the pressing force and preventing overpressure. The height of the limiting sleeve can be selected according to the connector specifications.

[0027] 3. This invention features two handle assemblies with built-in ratchet structures on the left and right sides. The handle assemblies on both sides control the double-headed screw to rotate in two directions, thereby controlling the up and down movement of the balance pressure plate. The operation is simple and conforms to ergonomics.

[0028] When in the pressing state, keeping the handle assembly that controls the upward movement stationary can achieve reverse self-locking, keeping the pressing mechanism in a pressure-holding state and ensuring the quality of the pressing.

[0029] 4. The compression mold configured in this invention, when used with the connector, ensures uniform force distribution on the through-hole connector, providing better protection for the connector. A compression mold corresponding to the connector model can be selected, offering good applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a straight connector crimping mechanism according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the support frame and the pressing mechanism;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the fixed platform assembly;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of the handle assembly;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the compression mold.

[0035] Drawing number identifier:

[0036] 1. Fixed platform assembly; 11. Fixed platform; 111. Threaded positioning hole; 112. Slide groove; 113. Clearance groove; 12. Longitudinal limit block; 13. Limit block.

[0037] 2. Support frame; 21. Support base; 22. Column; 23. Sliding locking device; 231. Locking block; 232. Locking screw;

[0038] 3. Pressing assembly; 31. Double-ended screw; 32. Left slider; 33. Right slider; 34. Connecting rod; 35. Connecting block; 36. Pressing column; 37. Balance block; 38. Limiting sleeve.

[0039] 4. Handle assembly, 41. Rotary shaft, 42. Handle housing, 421. Handle disc, 422. Handle cover, 43. Ratchet mechanism, 431. Ratchet, 432. Pad, 433. Torsion spring, 434. Locking bar, 435. Shaft pin;

[0040] 5. Molding mold, 51. Molding mold body, 52. Fins, 6. Through-hole connector, 7. PCB backplane. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0042] The straight connector crimping mechanism described in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, its main body includes a fixed platform assembly 1, a support frame 2, a pressing assembly 3, a handle assembly 4, and a pressing mold 5. The support frame 2 is slidably mounted on the fixed platform assembly 1, the pressing assembly 3 is mounted on the support frame 2, and the handle assembly 4 drives the pressing assembly 3 to work.

[0043] As attached Figure 1 , 3 As shown, the fixed platform assembly 1 includes a fixed platform 11, a longitudinal limiting block 12, and a transverse limiting block 13. The fixed platform 11 has a rectangular plate structure with evenly distributed threaded positioning holes 111. The longitudinal limiting block 12 and the transverse limiting block 13 have connecting through holes. Fasteners pass through these connecting through holes and engage with the threaded positioning holes 111, positioning each limiting block in the desired position on the fixed platform 11. Two parallel sliding grooves 112 are provided on both sides of the fixed platform 11 for the support legs at both ends of the support frame 2 to slide. A clearance groove 113 parallel to the sliding grooves 112 is provided in the middle of the fixed platform 11. After the PCB backplane is positioned, the bottom of the straight connector longitudinally corresponds to the clearance groove, preventing stress on the connector's back pins during crimping.

[0044] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the support frame 2 includes a portal-shaped support base 21 at the bottom, two left and right uprights 22 mounted on the top of the support base 21, and a sliding locking device 23 for sliding positioning. The support feet at both ends of the support base 21 are inserted into the sliding grooves 112 on both sides of the fixed platform 11, and are slidably limited by the locking device 23. The locking device 23 includes a locking block 231 located in the locking groove on the back of the fixed platform 11, and a locking screw 232 connecting the locking block 231 to the support base 21. The locking screw 232 can be used to adjust the clearance and pressure between the support frame 2 and the fixed platform 11 to achieve sliding control.

[0045] As attached Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the pressing assembly 3 is mounted on the support frame 2 and includes a double-ended screw 31, a left slider 32, a right slider 33, a connecting rod 34, a connecting block 35, a pressing column 36, a balancing block 37, and a limiting sleeve 38. The two ends of the double-ended screw 31 are rotatably mounted on the two side columns 22. The left slider 32 and right slider 33 are threadedly engaged with the two ends of the double-ended screw 31. The connecting block 35 is located below the middle of the double-ended screw 31. The left slider 32 and right slider 33 are connected to the connecting block 35 via the connecting rod 34, and the left slider 32 and right slider 33 slide synchronously inward or outward.

[0046] The bottom of the connecting block 35 is connected to the pressing column 36. The pressing column 36 is fitted with a limiting sleeve 38 and passes through the longitudinal through hole opened in the support base 21. The limiting sleeve 38 is located above the support base 21 and its diameter is larger than the longitudinal through hole. The bottom end of the pressing column 36 is connected to the balancing pressure block 37, which outputs downward pressing force.

[0047] As attached Figure 1 , 2 As shown, in this design, the handle assemblies 4 consist of two identical internal structures, respectively located at both ends of the double-ended screw 31, controlling the double-ended screw 31 to rotate in opposite directions. (See attached diagram) Figure 4 The image shows a handle assembly 4 installed on the left side of the double-ended screw 31. The handle assembly 4 includes a rotating shaft 41, a handle housing 42, and a ratchet mechanism 43. One end of the rotating shaft 41 is coaxially connected to the double-ended screw 31, and the other end passes through the handle disc 421 of the handle housing 42 and enters the handle housing 42. The handle housing 42 consists of the handle disc 421 and a handle cover 422, which are connected by countersunk screws. The ratchet mechanism 43 is installed inside the handle housing 42 and transmits the unidirectional rotation of the handle housing 42 to the rotating shaft 41.

[0048] The ratchet mechanism 43 includes a ratchet 431 and a pawl 432 that cooperate with each other. The ratchet 431 is fixed to the rotating shaft 41 by a retaining strip 434 and a screw. The ratchet 431 has a limiting groove that cooperates with the retaining strip 434. The screw connects the retaining strip 434 and the rotating shaft 41. The pawl 432 is hinged to the handle plate 421 by a pin 435. A torsion spring 433 is positioned on the handle plate 421 by the pin 435, and its two ends abut against the pawl 432 and the handle plate 421, pressing the pawl 432 against the ratchet 431. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the pawl 432 and torsion spring 433 are two sets arranged along the circumference of the ratchet 431. The ratchet mechanism 43 of the left handle assembly 4 can drive the rotating shaft 41 to rotate backward (counterclockwise). That is, the right handle assembly 4 can drive the rotating shaft 41 to rotate forward (clockwise). The lifting and lowering displacement of the balance block 37 can be achieved by installing the handle assemblies 4 on the left and right sides.

[0049] As attached Figure 1 , 5 As shown, the mold 5 mates with the top of the through connector 6. When the balancing block 37 presses down, it acts on the top of the mold 5, ensuring that the through connector 6 is subjected to uniform force. The mold 5 includes a gate-shaped mold body 51. Multiple fins 52 are arranged between the two side walls of the body to mate with the connector's connection terminals. The two side walls of the mold 5 are chamfered. The size of the mold 5 and the number of fins can be selected according to the model of the through connector 6. In this embodiment, three fins are spaced apart, suitable for AVIC Optoelectronics 4×8 straight sockets.

[0050] When using the straight connector crimping mechanism of this embodiment, the method of use includes the following steps:

[0051] S1: Insert the molding die 5 into the through connector 6, pre-install the through connector 6 on the PCB backplate 7, and place the PCB backplate 7 on the fixing platform 11.

[0052] S2: Adjust the positions of the longitudinal limiting block 12, the transverse limiting block 13, and the support frame 2 so that the edge of the PCB back plate 7 is close to the longitudinal limiting block 12 and the transverse limiting block 13, and the straight connector 6 is located directly below the balance pressure block 37.

[0053] S3: Hold the handle assembly 1 on the left side with your left hand and keep it still. Rotate the handle assembly 4 on the right side with your right hand to drive the double-headed screw 31 to rotate, so that the left slider 32 and the right slider 33 slide inward synchronously. The balance block 37 presses down steadily until it is stopped by the limiting sleeve 38 and held for 10 seconds.

[0054] S4: Hold the handle assembly 1 on the left side with your right hand and keep it still. Rotate the handle assembly 4 on the right side with your left hand to rotate the double-headed screw 31, so that the left slider 32 and the right slider 33 slide outwards in sync, so that the balance block 37 rises steadily until the balance block 37 is moved to the upper limit and stops.

[0055] S5: Remove the PCB backplate 7, remove the mold 5, and complete the crimping of the through connector 6.

[0056] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A straight connector crimping mechanism, characterized in that: Includes a fixed platform assembly (1), a support frame (2), a pressing assembly (3), and a handle assembly (4); The fixed platform assembly (1) includes a fixed platform (11), a longitudinal limiting block (12), and a transverse limiting block (13); the fixed platform (11) has evenly distributed threaded positioning holes (111), and the longitudinal limiting block (12) and the transverse limiting block (13) are positioned by fasteners in cooperation with the threaded positioning holes (111); two parallel sliding grooves (112) are opened on both sides of the fixed platform (11), and an clearance groove (113) is opened in the middle of the fixed platform (11). The support frame (2) includes a portal-shaped support base (21) at the bottom and two columns (22) on the top of the support base (21); the support feet at both ends of the support base (21) are slidably connected to the sliding grooves (112) on both sides of the fixed platform (11); The pressing component (3) is installed on the support frame (2) and includes a double-headed screw (31) installed between two columns (22), a left slider (32) and a right slider (33) respectively threaded to both ends of the double-headed screw (31), the left slider (32) and the right slider (33) are respectively connected to the connecting block (35) below through the connecting rod (34); the bottom end of the connecting block (35) is connected to the pressing column (36), the pressing column (36) passes through the longitudinal through hole opened in the support base (21) and is connected to the balance pressure block (37), and the upper part of the pressing column (36) is fitted with a limiting sleeve (38) to limit the downward movement of the connecting block (35); The handle assembly (4) is connected to the end of the double-ended screw (31) to control its rotation.

2. The straight connector crimping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are two handle assemblies (4), which are respectively located at both ends of the double-ended screw (31); The handle assembly (4) includes a rotating shaft (41) coaxially fixed to the double-ended screw (31), a handle housing (42) rotatably connected to the rotating shaft (41), and a ratchet mechanism (43) that transmits the unidirectional rotation of the handle housing (42) to the rotating shaft (41). The handle assemblies (4) at both ends control the double-headed screw (31) to rotate in opposite directions.

3. The straight connector crimping mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The ratchet mechanism (43) is installed inside the handle housing (42) and includes a ratchet (431) fixed to the pivot (41), a pawl (432) installed on the handle housing (42) and engaging with the ratchet (432), and a torsion spring (433) pressing the pawl (432) against the ratchet (431).

4. The straight connector crimping mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The handle housing (42) includes a handle disc (421) and a handle cover (422). A rotating shaft (41) passes through the axis of the handle disc (421) and is fixedly connected to a ratchet (431). A pawl (432) and a torsion spring (433) are mounted on the handle disc (421). The pawl (432) and the torsion spring (433) are multiple sets arranged along the circumference of the ratchet (431).

5. The straight connector crimping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a mold (5) that is fitted into the top of the plug-in connector (6). The mold (5) includes a mold body (51) with a gate-shaped structure. Multiple fins (52) are provided between the two side walls of the body to cooperate with the connection terminals of the plug-in connector (6). The two side walls of the mold body (51) are chamfered.

6. The straight connector crimping mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support feet at both ends of the support base (21) are inserted into the sliding groove (112) and slide with the groove body, and a sliding locking device (23) is configured to limit the sliding of the support frame (2).

7. The straight connector crimping mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sliding locking device (23) includes a locking block (231) located in the locking groove on the back of the fixed platform (11). The locking block (231) is connected to the bottom of the support frame (2) by a locking screw (232) to adjust the fitting gap between the support frame (2) and the fixed platform (11).

8. A method of using a straight connector crimping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: S1: Pre-install the through connector (6) on the PCB backplate (7) and place the PCB backplate (7) on the mounting platform (11); S2: Adjust the positions of the longitudinal limiting block (12), the transverse limiting block (13), and the support frame (2) so that the edge of the PCB back plate (7) is close to the longitudinal limiting block (12) and the transverse limiting block (13), and the straight connector (6) is located directly below the balance pressure block (37); S3: The handle assembly (4) drives the double-headed screw (31) to rotate, causing the left slider (32) and right slider (33) to slide inward synchronously, and the balance block (37) to press down steadily until it is stopped by the limiting sleeve (38) and held for 10 seconds. S4: By driving the double-headed screw (31) to rotate in the opposite direction through the handle assembly (4), the left slider (32) and the right slider (33) slide outward synchronously, so that the balance block (37) rises steadily until the balance block (37) is moved up to the limit and stops. S5: Remove the PCB backplate (7) and complete the crimping of the through connector (6).

Images