Device for checking assembly defects of a connector for fixing the position of an electrical wire terminal

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus including a moving block configured to have an inner space open toward one side and to be movable in a forward direction toward a cradle formed on a connector jig and a rearward direction, a mating case movably installed in the movable moving block, a shape of which is such that if a portion protrudes from a connector surface, movement in a forward direction thereof is blocked by the portion of a TPA connector installed in the cradle, and a contact switch configured to change an electrical state thereof when the mating case moves in a rearward direction at a predetermined interval with respect to the moving block, wherein the moving block is configured to further move in a forward direction at least at a predetermined interval even in a state in which the mating case cannot move in a first direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for checking whether a connector, which is attached to the end of a wire for convenient connection to other wires, is properly assembled. Background Technology

[0002] Today, a wide variety of devices and appliances are used in people's daily lives, work, leisure activities, and medical practices. Most of them perform predetermined operations or functions based on the exchange of electrical signals between their components. In particular, large equipment, such as vehicles, communication equipment, and medical equipment, interconnect a large number of components with various cables to achieve electrical communication between them.

[0003] At the ends of various cables, connectors are assembled into an electrical connection state for connection with other wires. The connector is a terminal block with a specific shape and structure. Wires terminated with the connector are electrically connected to components on a circuit board by mating with the connector. These components have corresponding shapes and structures, are capable of male-female coupling, and are mounted on the circuit board or a similar circuit board on which the components are mounted.

[0004] As described above, the connector for easy connection between components consists of a socket housing, a head, etc., wherein a terminal crimped to the end of the wire is inserted into the socket housing, and the socket housing is inserted into and coupled to the head.

[0005] The head and socket housings have a mutually coupled structure, typically with locking members formed on the outer surfaces to maintain their coupling through elasticity or friction after male and female coupling. Because of these locking members, connectors with head and socket housings will not disconnect even when the connector device used for electrical connection is exposed to continuous vibration; instead, they remain coupled and maintain the circuit. This type of connector is commonly referred to as a Connector Position Assurance (CPA) connector.

[0006] However, if the CPA connector is stably held in place by the locking connector joint components, repeated application of irregular and high-intensity vibrations to the connector can cause the wire terminals inserted into the socket housing to come into contact with the metal portion of the inner surface of the housing, resulting in contact failure.

[0007] Therefore, for connectors used in devices or apparatuses operating in such harsh environments, a connector capable of stably maintaining internal electrical contact under external influences should be used. This type of connector is called a Terminal Position Assurance (TPA) connector. A TPA connector includes a separate component (hereinafter referred to as a Terminal Fixture (FA)) that ensures the insertion position of the terminals in each receiving hole of the receptacle housing by securing the terminals in the insertion position.

[0008] Figure 1 Partial components for the TPA connector are shown, including a TF12 with a long rod-like structure inserted (d1) from one side of the male socket housing 11.

[0009] When the illustrated TF12 is inserted into the receiving hole, a stop protrusion 121 is formed on the rod corresponding to each position of the receiving hole, in the form of a blocking insertion terminal 13's rear wall 131. The TF12 is inserted and secured from one side of the socket housing 11, in which wires are crimped and coupled to each end of the terminal 13. Therefore, each wire inserted into the socket housing 11 is secured at its insertion position. Figure 1 In this context, TF12 is illustrated as a separate component detached from the socket housing 11, but it may be an accessory pre-assembled in the socket housing 11 in a partially sliding manner.

[0010] Staff checked whether the connectors of the cable connection were properly assembled, such as... Figure 1 As shown, TF12 is pushed into the guide groove of the (d1) socket housing 11, and each wire is inserted into the socket housing 11.

[0011] Then, the TF12 is fixed to the outer shell 11, while the hook 122 at the tip of the lower leg engages with the step formed on the outer surface of the outer shell 11. Next, as... Figure 2A As shown, the socket housing 11 is inserted (d2) into the female head 14 to form a complete connector, thereby making it easy to electrically connect the wires connected to the socket housing 11 and the wires connected to the head 14 to each other.

[0012] Since the TF12, as described above, secures each terminal of the wire strands inserted into the receiving hole in the insertion position, the combination connector still ensures electrical contact even in devices subjected to high vibration environments.

[0013] However, it is possible that due to the error or negligence of the personnel assembling the connector, TF12, which is fixed to the socket housing 11 as described above to ensure the fixed position of the terminal, is not fully fixed to the socket housing 11. Figure 2B This is an example diagram of a situation in which TF12 is not fully connected to the socket housing 11 by not sliding to the end of the guide groove formed in the socket housing 11 and by part (e.g.) not being inserted.

[0014] The female connector 14 and the male socket housing 11 are typically combined in cable operation for the manufacture or production of equipment using TPA connectors, or for the assembly of wire harness assemblies in equipment. Therefore, if the socket housing 20 does not have a similar design... Figure 2B If the assembly is not completed as shown, problems will arise during these operations. That is, due to incomplete assembly, a portion of TF12 protrudes (for example), and the socket housing 20 is not inserted into the head 14 of the corresponding female structure.

[0015] As mentioned above, because the assembly of the socket housing and the combination of the socket housing with the head are not performed by the same worker in the same place at the same time, even a simple tightening defect like TF12 is difficult to resolve immediately. If these two tasks are performed by different manufacturers, the poor tightening will cause even greater problems.

[0016] Therefore, checking whether the TF (Flange Frame) of the TPA connector's receptacle housing is fully secured needs to be done separately from the receptacle housing assembly process. Furthermore, compared to visually inspecting whether the TF partially protrudes from the receptacle housing, using a separate inspection tool to mechanically check the TF provides more accurate and faster results. Summary of the Invention

[0017] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus for inspecting assembly defects in TPA connectors.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inspection device capable of detecting a state in which the TF used to fix the position of the insertion terminal partially protrudes from the socket housing.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system capable of simultaneously inspecting a large number of TPA connectors for assembly defects.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inspection device that minimizes the impact applied to the inspection device or the connector by preventing unnecessary repeated inspection of a single connector when inspecting a large number of TPA connectors in batches.

[0021] The scope of this invention is not necessarily limited to the explicit statements above. Rather, the scope of this invention covers anything that can be derived from the specific and illustrative explanations of the invention below.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for checking whether a connector is fully assembled includes: a connector clamp configured to have a bracket that is a space open to at least one side and on which an assembled connector is mounted; a movable block configured to have an internal space open to one side and movable in a first direction toward the bracket and in a second direction opposite to the first direction; a mating box mounted in the movable block, movable with the movable block, and also movable in the movable block in the first and second directions, shaped such that if a portion of the connector protrudes from the outer surface of the connector, its movement in the first direction is blocked by that portion of the connector mounted in the bracket; a drive unit configured to drive the movement of the movable block in the first and second directions; and a contact switch configured to change its electrical state when the mating box moves relative to the movable block in the second direction at predetermined intervals, wherein the movable block is configured to continue to move further in the first direction at at least predetermined intervals even when the movement of the mating box in the first direction is blocked.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, a switch protruding upward by elastic force is provided on the bottom surface of the bracket. The device is configured to supply power to the drive unit when the switch is pressed by a connector mounted in the bracket. When power is supplied, the drive unit causes the moving block to move in a first direction.

[0024] In an embodiment of the invention, the device further includes a control unit configured to move the moving block in a second direction by controlling the operation of the drive unit when the electrical state of the contact switch changes from one state to the other, namely a floating state and a current output state. In this embodiment, controlling the operation of the drive unit can cut off the power supply to the drive unit.

[0025] In an embodiment of the invention, even if the electrical state of the contact switch is changed back to either the floating state or the current output state, the control unit maintains a state in which the power supply to the drive unit is cut off for a predetermined time starting from the point when the electrical state is changed back.

[0026] In an embodiment of the invention, the device may include a delayed disconnection unit configured to output a signal after a predetermined delay from the point when the electrical state changes back to the previous state from either a floating state or a current output state.

[0027] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit can turn on an LED light when the electrical state of the contact switch changes from one state to the other, namely a floating state and a current output state. The LED light can be mounted on the top of the moving block.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit may be a pneumatic cylinder driven by pressurized air supplied as power, and the operation of the drive unit may be controlled by driving a solenoid valve, which is connected to a pipe supplying pressurized air to the pneumatic cylinder, so that the pressurized air in the pipe is discharged.

[0029] In an embodiment of the invention, the device may further include: a connector lock connected to one side of the bracket inlet, the connector lock being equipped with a latch capable of securing the connector to a fixed position on the bracket by partially blocking one side of the mounted connector, thereby preventing the mounted connector from disengaging from the bracket by the elastic force of a switch. Furthermore, the connector lock may include: a rotatable latch member configured to receive a latch for hooking one end of the mounted connector and rotating with the axis when rotated about an axis; an elastic member connected to the axis and configured to accumulate a rotational elastic force as the axis rotates; and a button mounted on one side of the latch member in the direction of rotation, movable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the latch member. A locking protrusion may be formed on one surface of the button to block a portion of a sidewall of the latch member when the latch member rotates at a predetermined angle, thereby preventing the latch member from returning to its pre-rotation state due to the rotational elastic force of the elastic member.

[0030] In an embodiment where a connector lock is provided in the device, a lever is mounted on the surface of the moving block facing a first direction so that when the moving block moves in the first direction, the locking state of the installed connector caused by the latch is released by pushing the latch at the top.

[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, the mating box is configured to include at least one surface that, when the moving block moves in a first direction, approaches the terminal fixing mounting surface of the connector mounted on the bracket within a predetermined gap.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, the mating box may include a plate configured to have a surface parallel to the terminal fixing mounting surface of the connector located in the bracket. The plate is located at the front of the mating box in a first direction, approaching the terminal fixing mounting surface when the moving block moves in the first direction.

[0033] In one embodiment of the invention, the matching box is configured such that the distance between one surface and a surface fixedly coupled to one end of the contact switch is adjustable.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the connector clamp is configured to be positionable according to the open side so as to secure the connector in the bracket by connecting / disconnecting at least one plate-shaped member.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the elastic member is capable of contracting or extending along the direction of movement of the movable block, and is inserted between a first surface in the inner surface of the movable block perpendicular to the first direction and a second surface of the mating box opposite to the first surface, wherein one end of the contact switch is fixed to the first surface, the other end of the contact switch is fixed to the second surface, and at least one end of the switch protrudes from the fixed surface, and the elastic member has a length such that when no force is applied to the mating box, its two ends are separated at a predetermined interval or less.

[0036] According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for collectively detecting each assembly state of a plurality of connectors may be configured to include a plurality of the aforementioned apparatuses and may include a control unit configured to move a moving block in any device in a direction away from the connector clamp in any device by controlling the operation of a drive unit in any device when the electrical state of a contact switch included in any device changes from one state to the other, namely a floating state and a current output state.

[0037] The connector inspection apparatus of the present invention described above, or configured according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is capable of inspecting each poorly assembled connector individually, in which the TF used to secure the position of the inserted wire terminal within the connector is not fully tightened, and can simultaneously perform assembly suitability checks on multiple connectors. By performing rapid assembly defect inspection on TPA connectors, production efficiency can be improved.

[0038] Furthermore, the inspection system configured according to the present invention removes poorly assembled TPA connectors from an inspection device without requiring manual operation of the pressurized air used to drive the inspection device, and visually distinguishes one inspection device from others. This allows workers to immediately identify which connector in the inspection device is defective in assembly among the connectors being inspected collectively, and to quickly address that connector. This also helps to reduce the time required to inspect TPA connectors.

[0039] In one embodiment of the invention, the restoration to the inspection-ready state of the inspection device after detecting an assembly defect is delayed. This delay eliminates the possibility that the operator might mistakenly believe the inspection device automatically disassembled the connector due to an incorrectly installed connector, thus restarting the inspection device. During this delay after connector disassembly, even if the operator drives the inspection device while adjusting the connector's installation position, no actual actuation of the inspection device occurs. Thus, even if the operator mistakenly believes the connector was automatically disassembled, the possibility of repeated collisions between the moving parts of the inspection device and the connector can be eliminated, minimizing fatigue of the inspection device's drive mechanism due to collisions during inspection and avoiding unnecessary delays in the time required to inspect the connector.

[0040] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the invention, for various types of connectors, the differences in the required proximity distances of the connectors can be matched to determine whether the TF assembly is in good condition, and the mounting position of the connectors can be adjusted to accommodate the inspection of each type of connector. If these embodiments are applied, various types of connectors can be inspected without error in determining assembly suitability / incompatibility. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This describes some of the components used in the TPA connector.

[0042] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This describes the assembly status of the TF, which is fixed to the wire terminal position on the TPA connector.

[0043] Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3B It only displays Figure 3A A perspective view of a portion of the structure of the inspection device, partially cut away to allow visualization of the internal structure.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a view showing the coupling and electrical connections on the back of the mating box of the inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5A and 5B This diagram illustrates the operating mechanism of the inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention by conceptually simplifying the configuration.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of circuit blocks in a multi-channel inspection system including multiple inspection devices, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 7 This is an example of an incomplete locking state when inspecting a connector in an inspection apparatus due to a defective TF assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 8 This is an example of an LED provided on a part of an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is capable of visually identifying an inspection device that confirms that a connector is not fully assembled.

[0050] Figure 9 The figure shows an automatic disassembly of a connector by connecting a pressurized air supply line to each inspection device via a solenoid valve in an inspection apparatus for confirming that the connector is not fully assembled, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 10A and 10B are examples of circuits configured according to embodiments of the present invention to create a predetermined delay time after an automatic disassembly point in an inspection device that confirms that a connector is not fully assembled.

[0052] Figure 11 An example configuration of the mating box of an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The inspection device is adapted to a socket housing, with the TF coupled to the socket housing from the front rather than from the side.

[0053] Figure 12 This explains how... Figure 11 In the mating box configuration shown, there is an incomplete locking state due to a connector with assembly defects.

[0054] Figure 13A and 13B This is an example diagram illustrating a mating box constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating an inspection method that allows the mating box to approach the side of the connector by mounting the connector.

[0055] Figure 14 This is an example of a connector fixture configuration according to another embodiment of the invention, capable of adjusting the connector mounting position according to various sizes of the connector to be inspected.

[0056] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an inspection device configuration according to another embodiment of the invention, capable of securing / releasing a connector to be inspected to / from a mounting position, with the focus on the portion related to securing / releasing the connector.

[0057] Figure 16 It is displayed by making its top cover transparent. Figure 15 A perspective view of the rotary connector-lock in operation. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In the following sections, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] In the following description of the embodiments and drawings of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals or reference numerals denote the same elements. Of course, for ease of explanation and understanding, different reference numerals or reference numerals may be used to denote the same components when necessary.

[0060] Figure 3 is a configuration example of a connector assembly inspection device 300 (CAID) for checking whether a TPA connector is fully assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing the appearance of CAID. Figure 3B It is a perspective view that shows part of its structure through partial cuts so that the internal structure can be seen.

[0061] The CAID300 includes: a base 310; a test body 320 fixedly mounted on the base 310, having a space 32 formed thereon for mounting the TPA connector to be inspected; a carrier 330 whose internal space opens toward the test body 320, allowing it to be mounted in a forward and backward manner toward the test body 320; a mating box 340 movably mounted in the internal space of the carrier 330; and a pair of hinged rail links 350 connecting the carrier 330 and the test body 320 to maintain a movement path when the carrier 330 reciprocates relative to the test body 320.

[0062] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, the directional terms used in this specification are defined as follows.

[0063] According to embodiments of the present invention Figure 3A In the configuration shown, the carrier 330 moves forward toward the test body 320 and then backward (d30) to check whether the TPA connector assembly is complete. The forward direction toward the test body 320 is designated as the "front" of the carrier 330 (the mating box 340 moves together), and the backward direction is designated as the "rear" of the carrier 330. In the case of the test body 320, the direction facing the carrier 330 is designated as "forward," and the opposite direction is designated as "backward."

[0064] Other directional terms, including top / upper and bottom / lower, unless otherwise specified, indicate directions based on the top and bottom of the illustrated drawing, or directions that can be visually identified from the drawing.

[0065] The test body 320 includes: a drive box 321, which houses a pneumatic cylinder that moves a drive carrier 330 forward / backward as a drive device; and a connector clamp 322, on which a structure 32 (referred to as a "bracket") is formed for mounting the TPA connector to be inspected.

[0066] like Figure 3B As shown, the bracket 32 ​​formed on the upper part of the connector clamp 322 opens upward and has a structure that extends in a stepped manner from the front to the rear. When the TPA connector 33 is inserted and mounted downward (d31) from the top of the bracket 32, and its rear contacts the riser of the second step, the bracket 32 ​​is also sized to allow the front surface of the TPA connector 33 to protrude further than the riser 324 of the first step (hereinafter referred to as ICS (innermost contact surface)) by a predetermined interval. Preferably, the second step is formed at a point to ensure that the front surface of the mounted TPA connector 33 is higher than the front surface of the connector clamp 322 of the ICS 324 by a height H. RP Slightly protruding.

[0067] A switch 323 is provided on the bottom surface of the bracket 32, protruding slightly from the bottom surface. The switch 323 moves up and down depending on whether pressure is applied, which serves to open and close the supply pipeline valve connected to the pneumatic cylinder located in the drive box 321.

[0068] The pneumatic cylinder in drive housing 321 is driven by externally supplied pressurized air. When switch 323 is pressed, pressurized air is supplied to drive the piston of the pneumatic cylinder, thereby causing the rod 325 protruding from the outside of drive housing 321 to reverse (i.e., pull towards drive housing 321). When the pressure applied to the piston by the pressurized air is released, the pneumatic cylinder advances the rod 325 by the elastic force accumulated in the internal elastic member.

[0069] The carrier 330 includes: a support 332, which is connected to the rod 325 and reciprocates along the guide groove 311 formed on the upper surface of the base 310 according to the back-and-forth movement of the rod 325; and a moving block 331, which is fixedly connected to the support 332 and is equipped with a matching box 340 in a moving state.

[0070] Due to the above configuration of the carrier 330, when the pneumatic cylinder in the drive box 321 is working, the moving block 331 moves back and forth, and the matching box 340 installed therein moves closer to or further away from the test body 320.

[0071] Figure 3B An example is shown where the matching box 340 is mounted in a movable state within the movable block 331.

[0072] A matching box 340 is installed in a movable block 331. A long sliding rod 343 is fixedly coupled to the rear surface of the movable block 331 and inserted into a tubular coupling tube 333 of a predetermined length. The coupling tube 333 is inserted into a through hole in the rear wall of the movable block 331. A pair of plates 333a of the coupling tube 333 are fastened to each other, and the rear wall is inserted therein. The coupling tube 333 is fixedly connected to the movable block 331. Therefore, when the matching box 340 is installed in the movable block 331, it can slide relative to the coupling tube 333 in the longitudinal direction of the tube via the sliding rod 343.

[0073] Tracks are formed in each longitudinal direction on the slide bar 343 and the coupling tube 333, and the tracks are configured in a concave-convex shape so that the slide bar 343 does not rotate.

[0074] On the rear surface of the mating box 340, a plurality of springs 342 are fixed in corresponding positions as elastic members with elastic force, and a provided protrusion is inserted into one end of each spring accordingly. Each spring 342 has a length such that, without force being applied, when the front of the mating box 340 protrudes beyond a predetermined distance from the front of the moving block 331, the other end of the spring contacts its fixing point on the inner wall of the moving block 331.

[0075] A bracket 343a, fixed to the rear surface of the mating box 340, is threadedly coupled to a slide rod 343. In the case of the bracket 343a, it is made of a conductive metal material, or a conductive coupling portion is fixed or a conductive film is provided on at least the surface at its end (the surface facing the coupling tube 333). Furthermore, in the coupling tube 333, at least the portion 333b facing the mating box 340 is also made of a conductive metal material. Figure 4 As shown, the conductive ends 343a and 333b are connected to the two ends of the circuit block via appropriate wiring, allowing current to flow through the circuit block when they are in physical contact. The circuit block is configured in a multi-channel inspection system, which will be described later. Electrically connecting the conductive ends 343a and 333b in this manner constitutes a contact switch.

[0076] At least one of the bracket 343a and the coupling tube 333 is fixed to the corresponding coupling target, i.e., the mating box 340 or the moving block 331, by a buffer elastic member. When an external force is applied along the moving direction of the carrier 330, the buffer elastic member can be compressed to a certain extent. This buffer elastic member absorbs part of the external force applied when the bracket 343a and the coupling tube 333 collide with each other and persists during subsequent connector inspections, as will be described later. At the same time, it stably maintains the electrical contact between the bracket 343a and the coupling tube 333.

[0077] As described above, the coupling tube 333 is fixedly installed in the through hole on the rear wall of the moving block 331, and the slide rod 343 can move freely in the inner tubular space of the coupling tube 333. Since one end of each spring 342 is connected to the matching box 340 and the other end is installed on the inner wall of the moving block 331, when the moving block 331 moves, the matching box 340 moves with the moving block 331 without applying any force to it.

[0078] By assembling the relevant accessories, the mating box 340 is installed inside the moving block 331, thereby enabling the depth H of the ICS 324 to be adjusted. RP The gap D between one end of the support 343a and one side of the coupling tube 333 shall not be less than the gap D when no force is applied to the spring 342. G (This gap is referred to as the "reference interval" below), one side of the coupling tube 333 corresponds to one end surface of the bracket 343a.

[0079] Furthermore, it is preferable to install the mating box 340 within the moving block 331 such that its front surface protrudes beyond the front surface of the moving block 331 by a distance equal to the reference interval D. G .

[0080] In another embodiment of the invention, the bracket 32 ​​may form only a single step for receiving the TPA connector without forming ICS 324. In this embodiment, the bracket may be sized such that the front surface of the TPA connector, inserted downwards (d31) from the top, protrudes further beyond the reference interval D than the front surface of the connector clamp 322. G .

[0081] If the moving block 331 moves forward to a position that is, moves to the maximum extent toward the test body 320, and is spaced a predetermined distance from the front surface of the connector clamp 322, then the structure and dimensions of the bracket can be configured to allow the TPA connector to protrude at least further by the spaced distance.

[0082] The mating box 340, which is movably mounted within the movable block 331, has a rectangular structure in which a mating pocket 34 with an open front is formed. The mating pocket 34 is a space for inserting and accommodating a TPA connector to be inspected for assembly defects. Within appropriate tolerances, the dimensions of this space are the same as the external dimensions of the TPA connector to be inspected.

[0083] Furthermore, the dimensions of the matching box 340 are such that the width of the front square edge 341 caused by the formation of the matching bag 34 is not wider than the width of the ICS 324.

[0084] Due to the structure and dimensions of the mating box 340, when the TPA connector to be inspected is inserted into the connector clamp 322, and the mating box 340 is pushed into the connector clamp 322 by the moving block 331, the TPA connector placed in the bracket enters the mating pouch 34. Simultaneously, the square edge 341 enters the rectangular tube, i.e., the space formed by the outer surface of the TPA connector, the riser, and the tread of the first step are formed in the connector clamp 322. At this time, it is preferable to keep the gap between the inner edge of the mating pouch 34 and the surface fixing the TPA connector as short as possible. Therefore, the dimensions and shape of the mating box 340 are configured such that the gap with the outer surface of the TPA connector (hereinafter specifically referred to as the "inspection surface"), for example, is within 1 to 2 mm, the TPA connector is set up to inspect whether the connector fittings are assembled correctly, i.e., whether the TF (Transfer Component) is defective.

[0085] The following will describe in detail the operation of the CAID 300 configured above for detecting TPA connectors that are not fully assembled by TF.

[0086] like Figure 3B As shown, the worker inserts the assembled TF TPA connector into the bracket 32 ​​from top to bottom (d31) of the connector clamp 322, fixing it to the bottom surface of the bracket, and then presses it for a period of time.

[0087] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a simplified conceptual diagram of the relevant components to facilitate understanding of the operation of CAID 300, while a worker is pressing the TPA connector 33 installed in the bracket 32.

[0088] When the TPA connector 33 is pressed, the switch 323 mounted at the bottom of the bracket 32 ​​is also pressed. Therefore, the valve 327 installed in the pressurized air supply pipe remains rotated open. With the valve 327 open, pressurized air supplied by the air compressor flows into the pneumatic cylinder 326 installed in the drive housing 321, causing the cylinder to operate.

[0089] At this time, as Figure 5A As shown, pressurized air pushes the piston of pneumatic cylinder 326 and pulls rod 325 backward, thereby moving block 331 and mating box 340 mounted inside it together toward test body 320. Pneumatic cylinder 326, mounted in drive housing 321, has a piston stroke such that the moving block 331, which has advanced to the front of connector clamp 322, contacts connector clamp 322 or is located directly in front of connector clamp 322.

[0090] Therefore, when the operator presses the TPA connector 33 to be inspected in the bracket 32, the moving block 331 is close to or closest to the front surface of the connector clamp 322, so that the square edge 341 of the mating box 340 carried by the moving block 331 enters the square core formed between the TPA connector 33 and the first step of the bracket 32, and at the same time, the TPA connector 33 fixed to the bracket 32 ​​is inserted into the mating box 340.

[0091] Figure 5B With Figure 5A The same method is used to demonstrate that the moving block 331 is moved to its maximum position by means of the pneumatic cylinder 326. In this case, the TPA connector to be inspected, placed on the connector fixture 322, is a fully assembled connector, with TF 33a fully pushed into the socket housing, and no remaining part protruding from the housing surface (i.e., the inspection surface). As described above, the fully inserted TF33a secures the wire terminals, which are respectively inserted into the socket, within the socket housing, thereby ensuring the intended function of the TPA connector.

[0092] When the fully secured TPA connector 33 of TF33a is inserted into the mating pouch 34 of the mating box 340, the CAID300 remains intact even after the operator releases the pressure applied to the ordinary TPA connector 33 mounted in the bracket 32. Figure 5B The state is such that, due to the pressure exerted by the pressurized air on the piston of the pneumatic cylinder 326, the moving block 331 continues to exert force on the connector clamp 322. Even though the pressed-down switch 323 exerts a repulsive force on the fixed TPA connector 33, the fixed TPA connector 33 will not be pushed upward and will remain in its state (this state is called "locked state" (LS).)

[0093] The LS of CAID300 can be manufactured in such a state that if the square edge 341 of the matching box 340 contacts the ICS324 before the matching box 340 moves through the piston stroke of the pneumatic cylinder 326, the spring 342 provided at the rear of the matching box 340 will be compressed to a certain extent.

[0094] On the other hand, in production sites where multiple TPA connectors must be inspected, multiple CAIDs mentioned above, pipes supplying pressurized air to them, cables for transmitting electrical signals required to connect, detect, or display the status of each CAID, and circuit blocks for receiving electrical signals or individually controlling the CAIDs are provided. These are then integrated to form an inspection device capable of collectively inspecting multiple TPA connectors.

[0095] This integrated inspection equipment is referred to as a "Multi-channel Inspection System" (MIS). In this specification, the term "channel" is used to encompass all CAID300 devices that inspect the assembly suitability of the TPA connectors as described above, as well as auxiliary equipment and / or circuitry connected for CAID operation.

[0096] The operator using MIS to check if the TPA connector assembly is complete will see the CAID status of any channel change. Figure 5B When the LS is shown, move to the CAID of another channel and perform the same operation as above on another TPA connector.

[0097] When multiple TPA connectors to be inspected are mounted on a single CAID, the operator displays the inspection results for each CAID by checking the information shown on the circuit block to check for defective connectors among the TPA connectors currently located on each channel CAID that are not fully assembled by the TF.

[0098] Figure 6 This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of circuit block 60. As shown in the figure, Figure 6 The circuit block 60 includes: a signal providing unit 62, which provides an electrical signal whose value changes according to the operating state of the CAID 300 of each channel; identification LEDs 63, which are set to an amount corresponding to the number of CAIDs; and a control unit 61, which individually drives the identification LEDs 63 to turn on according to the signal output from the signal providing unit 62.

[0099] like Figure 4 As shown, the signal providing unit 62 constitutes a circuit, therefore extending a pair of wires for each CAID, which are respectively connected to the terminal eT on the conductive bracket 343a side of the CAID. O and another terminal eT on the side of coupling tube 333 I Connection. Due to this wiring connection and circuit configuration, when the bracket 343a contacts the coupling tube 333 of a CAID, the terminal eT connected to the bracket 343a side... O (This may be the eT terminal on the side of the coupling tube) I The electrical state of the wires (depending on the method of wire connection or circuit configuration) i (i = 1, 2, ..., N) will change in this CAID. In the configuration shown in the figure, terminal eT O It changes from a floating state to a current output state.

[0100] When applying signal es i When any of the (i = 1, 2, ..., N) changes its electrical state, the control unit 61 drives the identification LED connected to a corresponding signal line in the circuit configuration to illuminate. In this embodiment, the control unit 61 may include current amplifiers, wherein each current amplifier amplifies the application signal es. i (Hereinafter referred to as the "lock signal") and applied to identify LEDs.

[0101] In the description of the above embodiments, if multiple CAIDs maintain as follows Figure 5B The LS shown for securing the TPA connector does not establish contact between the bracket and coupling tube of each CAID. Since all signals output from signal providing unit 62 are on, none of the identification LEDs 63 are lit. The fact that all identification LEDs 63 are off indicates that the TPA connector locked in each CAID is fully assembled and all additional TFs are fully secured.

[0102] After confirming the inspection results by identifying the LEDs, the operator operates the main valve installed on the main pipe, which serves as the supply pipe before branching to the supply pipes connected to the CAIDs respectively. This causes the pressurized air to be discharged from all the supply pipes while simultaneously shutting off the pressurized air from the air compressor. As the air pressure in each supply pipe is released, the force applied to the piston of the pneumatic cylinder 326 in each CAID is removed, and the restoring force of the spring in the pneumatic cylinder comes into play, thus pushing the lever 325 back to its original position. Therefore, when the LS is released in each CAID, the moving block 331 returns to its original pre-inspection position.

[0103] When LS is released, the pressed switch 323 under the installed connector is lifted instantaneously under the accumulated elastic force, pushing the installed connector upward.

[0104] In the aforementioned method for batch testing of multiple TPA connectors using an MIS consisting of a CAID 300 for each channel and circuit blocks, if a TPA connector with incomplete TF assembly is installed on any of the CAIDs' trays, issues such as... will occur. Figure 7 The incompletely locked state shown is referred to as the "semi-locked state" (SLS).

[0105] If TF33a is not fully tightened and partially protrudes from the inspection surface of TPA connector 33′, the square edge 341 of mating box 340 is stuck by TF33a protruding near the entrance of square core 70 (E01), square core 70 is formed between the installed connector 33′ and connector clamp 322, and at the same time, moving block 331 advances toward connector clamp 322 such that mating box 340 is not fully inserted into square core 70.

[0106] Even at this point, because the pneumatic cylinder 326 does not move the rod 325 by its stroke, the force of the pneumatic cylinder 326, which moves the rod 325 backward, continuously pushes the carrier 330 in the direction of movement. At this time, when the spring 342 between the rear surface of the matching box 340 and the inner wall of the moving block 331 is compressed, the stopped matching box 340 moves in the opposite direction relative to the still moving moving block 331. Due to the relative movement of the matching box 340, the support 343a fixed on the moving block 331 and the coupling tube 333 approach each other, and at least before the pneumatic cylinder 326 is driven by its stroke, they finally achieve physical contact (E02).

[0107] When the pair of terminals eT described above I[k] and eT O[k] When a short circuit occurs between the physical contact between the bracket 343a and the coupling tube 333, the locking signal es applied to the control unit 61 is... k When the state of the lock signal changes to that of other applications, the control unit 61, which detects the different lock signals, drives an identification LED, which is turned on in the form of a wire corresponding to the different lock signals input.

[0108] If one or more identification LEDs are lit in this manner, the operator will check the CAID of the channel corresponding to the lit identification LED and will consider the TPA connector checked by the CAID as a connector with assembly defects.

[0109] If the identification LEDs 63 are concentrated on a check status board provided by circuit block 60, the wiring connections for the circuit configuration will be simple and require no wiring space. However, due to the CAID of the channel corresponding to the identification LED that is turned on due to improper assembly on the check status board, the operator needs a certain amount of time to identify it. If a large number of CAIDs of the TPA connector are being checked simultaneously, the identification delay time will also increase, and if the operator is not skilled, the identification delay time will also be relatively longer. This may negatively impact the manufacturing cost of the wiring harness components.

[0110] Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, as follows Figure 8 The MIS is configured as shown, i.e., the aforementioned identification LEDs 63 are distributedly mounted on individual CAIDs 80 and connected to circuit blocks 60 via cables. This distributed configuration of identification LEDs allows operators to immediately identify which channel's CAID detected a faulty TPA connector.

[0111] Preferably, the identification LED 80 is provided on the component mounted at the highest position. For example, in Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the configured CAID, the identification LED 80 is mounted above the moving block 331. This is because, at the inspection site, it minimizes the possibility that the worker's view will be blocked by other workers or goods.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, the SLS caused by the incompletely assembled connector 33' is released when the operator closes the main valve of the main pipe, as the carrier 330 returns to its original position. During this release process, the compression spring 342 pushes the mating box 340, causing it to return to its original position within the moving block 331.

[0113] exist Figure 7 In the SLS shown, the pressure of the boosted air supplied by the air compressor is ultimately applied to the TF33a of the poorly assembled connector 33'. The longer the pressure is applied, the more likely it is to damage or destroy the TPA connector. Furthermore, since the reaction force also affects the drive mechanism's operation of the moving block 331 through the square edge of the mating box 340 in close contact with the TF, the fatigue of the drive mechanism increases with the duration of the SLS caused by the incompletely assembled TPA connector.

[0114] Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, if the CAID of each channel confirms a defect in the TF fixing to the TPA connector, the carrier 330 of the CAID immediately returns to its original pre-inspection position without waiting for the operator to close the main valve of the supervisor. In this embodiment, as... Figure 9 As shown, an electrically controllable solenoid valve 410 is installed in the supply pipe of each CAID to release the air pressure applied to the pneumatic cylinder 326 of the CAID when necessary.

[0115] exist Figure 9 In the solenoid valve 410 shown, when a removal signal is applied from the control unit 61 to the solenoid 412, the shaft 413 is actuated. In this example, the shaft 413 is pushed out. Since the force of the solenoid 412 is greater than the reaction force of the elastic member 411 attached to the shaft 413 (which may be a spring), the shaft 413 moves within the cylinder, blocking port P1 while opening port P3. Therefore, since the booster air from the air compressor is cut off and the supply pipe to the pneumatic cylinder 326 is connected to port P3, the booster air that had previously applied pressure to the pneumatic cylinder 326 is discharged from port P3 of the solenoid valve 410, and the air pressure is released instantaneously.

[0116] Once the air pressure applied to the pneumatic cylinder 326 is released, the rod 325 advances with the restoring force of the elastic member in the pneumatic cylinder 326, and as described above, the moving block 331 returns to the pre-inspection position. At this time, the LS / SLS is released, and the installed TPA connector is instantly pushed upwards and removed.

[0117] Therefore, by inserting solenoid valve 410 into the pressurized air pipe located between the CAID of each channel and the main pipe from the compressor, the MIS is configured. In the MIS, when the electrical state changes, as described above, since physical contact between the bracket and the coupling pipe is detected from the CAID of any channel, the control unit 61 of the circuit block 60 applies a removal signal to the solenoid valve installed in the supply pipe connected to the CAID of that channel, that is, provides the required drive current to the solenoid valve so that the SLS caused by incomplete TF fastening is immediately released.

[0118] When SLS is released, the contact state between bracket 343a and coupling tube 333 is released by the complete depletion of the restoring force accumulated in the buffer elastic member provided by at least one of them, and control unit 61 stops applying the removal signal to solenoid valve 410.

[0119] In this embodiment, the time it takes for the pressure of the pressurized air to act on the TPA connectors and CAID drive mechanisms in the SLS is approximately reduced by the time required for the operator to place the TPA connectors to be inspected in all CAIDs, check the inspection results of all channels, and close the main valve of the supervisor to deactivate the LS / SLS of all CAID channels.

[0120] On the other hand, when the removal signal from control unit 61 is eliminated, solenoid valve 410 uses the restoring force of its internal elastic member 411 to push shaft 413 back to its original position, thereby blocking discharge port P3 as shown, and reconnecting ports P1 and P2, i.e., directly reconnecting the distribution pipe from the air compressor to the supply pipe to pneumatic cylinder 326. Therefore, the corresponding CAID is in a check-ready state, and the check operation can be performed as described above when the operator presses switch 323 while only placing the TPA connector into the CAID's bracket.

[0121] like Figure 9 As shown, in the MIS of this embodiment, the solenoid valve is installed on the supply pipe of the pressurized air. When the bracket 343a on the back of the matching box and the coupling pipe 333 of the moving block 331 are separated, the SLS is released. If a CAID immediately returns to the inspection ready state by stopping the application of the removal signal, the SLS is detected after the removal signal is applied to the solenoid valve 410. That is, when the bracket 343a and the coupling pipe 333 are in contact with each other, considering that the automatic disassembly of the installed connector may be caused by the connector being inspected not being completely fixed in the inspection position of the bracket, the operator may try to reset the automatically disassembled connector onto the bracket.

[0122] This erroneous operation by the staff not only resulted in the TPA connector being automatically disassembled due to an assembly defect, but also pushed the carrier 330 back into the pre-inspection position, causing the TPA connector and the corresponding CAID drive mechanism to be subjected to further impact. Therefore, the inspection time for all connectors will also increase.

[0123] Therefore, in one embodiment of the invention, when it is necessary to deactivate the SLS of any CAID based on the detection of the SLS of that CAID, the CAID returns to the inspection-ready state after a predetermined interval has elapsed since the SLS detection time. For this predetermined interval, an appropriate time can be applied, as short as possible, that is, the time required for a worker to shift his / her attention to the next CAID after installing the TPA connector on one CAID (e.g., approximately 3 seconds).

[0124] Figure 10A This diagram shows a delay circuit for one channel that locks the signal es. k The delay time is set so that the check-ready state is restored after a predetermined interval from when the SLS occurs, wherein the SLS is reflected to the lock signal es. k In circuit block 60 of the MIS, which includes multiple CAIDs, for each lock signal es k supply Figure 10A The delay circuit 1000 is shown. Each delay circuit 1000 delays the locked signal es. k and the delayed lock signal d_es k With lock signal es k They are respectively applied to the input terminals of control unit 61.

[0125] The delay circuit 1000 includes a single flip-flop 1010 and a resistor R connected to the flip-flop. Dk and capacitor C Dk In such Figure 4 and 6 In the illustrated embodiment, when an SLS is formed in any CAID, the corresponding locking signal es k Transform into HIGH(t) dNG ), begin with capacitor C Dk Charging. When the charging voltage exceeds the threshold voltage of the setting terminal (S), the output terminal (Q) switches to HIGH (t). mRD ).

[0126] Since the charging rate is determined by the resistance (=R) along the current charging path... O +R Dk ) and capacitance (=C Dk Therefore, the delay circuit 1000 is equipped with resistive and capacitive elements with values ​​to determine the time T from the start of charging until the charging voltage reaches the threshold voltage. reqD It equals the predetermined interval mentioned above.

[0127] In this embodiment, once the lock signal applied to the input terminal becomes HIGH(t) dNG The control unit 61 turns on the identification LED corresponding to the CAID that formed the SLS, and at the same time, as described above, applies a removal signal to the solenoid valve 410 connected to the supply pipe of the CAID to immediately release the SLS formed in the CAID. The control unit 61 then maintains the application of the removal signal.

[0128] In T reqD During this period, the supply pipe of the CAID is connected to the discharge port P3 via solenoid valve 410. Therefore, even if the operator puts the automatically disassembled TPA connector back into the CAID's bracket and presses the switch 323 below, the pneumatic cylinder 326 will not operate. That is, the carrier 330, which has returned to the inspection preparation position, will no longer move in the inspection direction.

[0129] After that, when the predetermined interval T has elapsed reqD And delay the locking signal d_es k Transform into HIGH(t) mRD When the removal signal is removed, the control unit 61 stops applying the removal signal to the solenoid valve 410. After the removal signal is removed, the solenoid valve 410 installed on the supply pipe of the corresponding CAID connects the supply pipe to the distribution pipe of the pressurized air as described above, so that the corresponding CAID returns to the check-ready state, at which point the TPA connector can be checked again.

[0130] According to Figure 10A In the embodiment, the delayed locking signal d_es k From the lock signal es respectively k The control unit 61 generates and receives the raw signal es for each channel's CAID. k and delayed signal d_es k (1011) to automatically remove and restore to the check-ready state. Alternatively, in another embodiment of the invention, only a single signal may be used. Figure 10B The circuit block 60 configured according to this embodiment is shown, which allows a disconnect holding circuit 1020 to be inserted into each lock signal line es after a necessary predetermined time, delaying only the release lock signal time. k middle.

[0131] In the disconnect holding circuit 1020 shown in the figure, when the lock signal es k When the output of flip-flop 1010 becomes HIGH due to SLS, the output terminal (Q) of flip-flop 1010 also immediately becomes HIGH, and the capacitor C connected to the clock terminal of the flip-flop... Hk Start charging. Based on the signal es from the output terminal (Q). k When the system switches to HIGH state, control unit 61 applies a removal signal to solenoid valve 410, causing carrier 330 to begin moving back to the pre-check position. When the contact point between bracket 343a and coupling tube 333 separates (1031), capacitor C... Hk Through resistor R Hk (1032) Discharge begins. During the discharge process, the signal es at the output terminal (Q) is... k Maintain the setting at HIGH. Furthermore, when the discharge voltage falls below the LOW voltage level required by the clock stage... LT At this time, the LOW signal applied to the input terminal (D) is latched onto the output terminal (Q), thereby applying the signal es to the input terminal of the control unit 61. k 'Switched to LOW'.

[0132] According to the latching signal es of the disconnect holding circuit 1020 k This holding operation determines the actual release time of the electrical contacts at 1031, followed by a predetermined delay T. DisC The specific time point 1033.

[0133] Therefore, the control unit 61 can be based on the single signal es provided by the disconnect holding circuit 1020. k 'Perform the operation. That is, when the signal es...' k When the signal changes to HIGH, the control unit 61 performs a disassembly operation on the corresponding CAID (applies a removal signal to the solenoid valve and illuminates the identification LED). When the signal es... k When it changes to LOW again, the control unit 61 stops (1033) applying the removal signal to the solenoid valve, so that the CAID returns to the check ready state.

[0134] Due to the disconnection holding time T determined by the disconnection holding circuit 1020 DisC and Figure 10A The delay circuit shown also depends on resistors and capacitors; therefore, the disconnect holding circuit 1020 is configured with resistors and capacitors, each with resistance and capacitance, to obtain the delay time T required for connector quality inspection in the field. reqD .

[0135] For resistor R, which will be inserted into the discharge path of disconnect holding circuit 1020 Hk Preferably, its resistance should be large enough compared to the resistor RO to be inserted to provide a latching signal es. k The current. The fast-charging capacitor C... Hk The clock terminal connected to the disconnect hold circuit 1020 and the disconnect hold time T are set accordingly. DisC A relatively long duration is necessary.

[0136] Figure 10A and 10B The circuit configuration shown is described as being applied to the MIS to generate the necessary delay time until the corresponding CAID is restored to the check-ready state after the SLS formed during connector inspection is released; alternatively, this can also be achieved through other methods. Such alternative methods could be related to... Figure 10A and 10B The circuit shown can be configured differently, or it could be a method of operation in a different way. A pneumatic timer relay can be an example of the latter.

[0137] In the description above of the MIS consisting of multiple CAIDs, an air compressor is mentioned to provide boosted air, supplying the necessary power to each CAID channel. Since the supply and cutoff of the compressor's boosted air must be synchronized with the batch inspection of the TPA connectors, the timing is typically controlled by a pneumatic timer relay.

[0138] Therefore, if the wire harness manufacturing site is equipped with a pneumatic timer relay for MIS inspection of TPA connectors or other components, and if the relay also has an available port, the latching signal can be delayed by using that available port. k This achieves the same post-removal delay action described above.

[0139] When using a pneumatic timer relay, as mentioned above, it is best to apply a disconnect delay timer to turn off its output after a set time has elapsed when its input is closed. However, depending on the wiring method of the MIS, an on delay timer can be applied.

[0140] Compared to electronic circuits, pneumatic timer relays can be used with stronger currents. Therefore, compared to... Figure 10A and 10B The embodiment shown differs from the one described here; it can be applied to the removal signal that the control unit 61 applies to the solenoid valve 410, that is, to the electromagnetic drive power transmitted via the wire, rather than to the lock signal es. k .

[0141] More specifically, the wire used to transmit the removal signal applied by the control unit 61 to the solenoid valve 410 is assigned to the CAID of each channel. This wire is connected to the input of a disconnect delay timer, the output of which is connected to the open / close signal input of the solenoid valve 410. In the above-described MIS wiring, when an SLS is detected in any CAID, the control unit 61 immediately applies a removal signal to the solenoid valve 410 of the corresponding channel and then stops applying the signal.

[0142] Because the disconnect delay timer installed in the middle of the path for transmitting the removal signal immediately outputs an open input and outputs a disconnect input after the delay reaches the set time, even if the removal signal is eliminated immediately after application, the output of the disconnect delay timer is applied to the solenoid valve 410, and after the set delay time, the supply pipe of the corresponding CAID is connected to the distribution pipe of the air compressor.

[0143] By appropriately modifying the shape or structure of the mating box 340 for each CAID, the MIS of the embodiments described so far is certainly applicable to the assembly inspection of TPA connectors in non-graphical form. Since the size and coupling position of the TF to be secured to the receptacle housing may vary depending on the type of TPA connector to which the TF is applied, the mating box of each CAID is preferably structured to be detachably coupled to the moving block.

[0144] Figure 11 The LS describes a CAID with a mating box that is compatible with the socket housing for which the TF is coupled from the front rather than from the side. Figure 11 of A portion of the CAID shown in the embodiment is illustrated, wherein the mating box 360 is a flat plate with a predetermined thickness. Considering the shape and / or structure of the TPA connector to be inspected, as well as the mating orientation and dimensions of its TF, the mating box 370 may be configured with two or more plates, such as... Figure 11 of The illustrated embodiment shows how to achieve the required proximity distance to the connector clamp at the piston stroke of the pneumatic cylinder.

[0145] Figure 12 The TPA connector and CAID configuration to be inspected are shown as follows. Figure 11 In The example shown illustrates the situation where CAID occurs in SLS due to improper assembly of TF35a.

[0146] Assuming Figure 11 , 12 The TPA connector shown is mounted in the bracket of the connector fixture. To check for defects in the assembly of TF33a, which is inserted and coupled to the socket housing in the same direction as the moving direction of the CAID moving block, it is necessary to use the aforementioned reference interval. That is, compared to checking for defects in the assembly of TF35a, which is inserted and coupled to the socket housing in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the moving block, in the above embodiment, the distance d between the bracket on the back of the mating box and the coupling tube of the moving block. SG It is set to be relatively narrow.

[0147] When inspecting the complete assembly of a TPA connector, since a defect can be identified without the use of CAID if the TF of the TPA connector protrudes to a degree that can be immediately noticed by the naked eye, the CAID configured according to the present invention is used to find poorly assembled TPA connectors that protrude to a degree that is difficult to be easily noticed by the naked eye.

[0148] When the TPA connector is mounted on the connector fixture, if the TF protrudes in the direction intersecting the movement direction of the moving block, even a slight protrusion will hinder the movement of the moving block on the front side of the socket housing. Therefore, a large difference can be set in the amount of movement of the mating box relative to the moving block as a reference range for determining assembly success or failure. Even if the mechanical precision of each CAID is low, or the mounting position of the TPA connector is off, the large difference in relative movement can obtain sufficiently reliable assembly inspection results.

[0149] However, as Figure 12 As shown, the TPA connector 35 is placed on the connector fixture so that the direction of TF coupling is consistent with the direction of movement of the mating box (d40). If a wider reference range is set, the protrusion height of TF in the poorly assembled TPA connector is less than the reference range, so it cannot be determined that the assembly is incomplete.

[0150] Therefore, in such Figure 12 When checking the CAID shown, the reference range should be set to be relatively short compared to the CAID in the above embodiment. Figure 12 The illustration schematically shows an example determined to be incompletely assembled, in which the mating box 370, after being blocked (E03) by TF 35a protruding from the inspection surface of the socket housing, moves backward by a relatively short reference width d relative to the advancing moving block. SG This allows the support and the coupling tube to come into contact with each other (E04).

[0151] Its TF protrudes from the socket shell less than the reference range d SG The TPA connector, defined by the piston stroke of the pneumatic cylinder, is a complete component in the movement of the moving block. Therefore, it is necessary to define the reference range d. SG Set the minimum height that the TF protrudes from the surface of the socket housing when it is not fully tightened, while also increasing the accuracy of the mechanism and minimizing the installation position deviation caused by manually installing the TPA connector on the connector fixture.

[0152] In one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 and 12 The TPA connector shown is fixed on the side of the bracket facing the mating box, and... Figure 5A , 5B Unlike the previous example, in this example, the fixing direction of the TF of the TPA connector is consistent with the coupling direction between the head and the socket housing. Due to the short reference range, this connector mounting method makes it possible to check the assembly suitability of the connector without being constrained by strict requirements such as short reference ranges and mechanical precision. In this specification, the inspection of the side facing the mating box is referred to as "side-facing inspection" (SFI), which refers to the inspection performed on the front of the connector facing the mating box, such as... Figure 5A and 5B As shown, this is called "front-side inspection".

[0153] (Forward-Faced Inspection, FFI).

[0154] In this embodiment for SFI, the mating box is configured to have at least one plane that is referenced to a virtual plane extending in the carrier movement direction from the surface where the TF of the TPA connector is fixed. Figure 13A and 13B An example of a mating box and SFI constructed according to this embodiment is shown, in which an exemplary mating box is applied and a TPA connector is established so that the mating box is close to its side.

[0155] According to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 13A The SFI is shown for the TPA connector TF35a, which is inserted and secured from the front of the receptacle housing. Figure 13B The SFI is shown for the TPA connector TF36a, which is inserted and secured from the rear of the socket housing.

[0156] exist Figure 13A and 13B In the example, the matching box adopts a double-plate structure, making the height h from the inner base surface of the moving block 334. MB Adjustable. In the illustrated mating box, front panels 371 and 381 pass through the mounted connectors and the sides of the inspection plane, i.e., the front / rear end faces PL of connectors 35 and 36. DCH / PL UCH As a boundary, it blocks the area outside the boundary surface, that is, below the boundary surface. Figure 13A (The embodiments) or above ( Figure 13B (Example).

[0157] Therefore, even poorly assembled TPA connectors, with their TF35a or 36a, will have PL from the front / rear end faces. DCH / PL UCH The protrusion is short and can be detected by the front panel 371 / 381 in the example form. Furthermore, in the case of a TPA connector with TF properly assembled, ensure sufficient entry distance L inside the connector fixture. CIN Therefore, even when determining TF from the front / back end face PL DCH / PL UCH When the protrusion is shorter and the assembly is incomplete, it is incompatible with... Figure 11 and 12 Compared to the application of FFI shown above, the reference interval d above... MG A sufficiently long time can be set so that connector inspection is unaffected by mechanical precision or connector installation position deviations.

[0158] The TPA connector to be inspected is more suitable than FFI. Figure 13A and 13B In the case of SFI shown, if a plate-shaped position setter 400 is configured at the rear of the bracket, the mounting position of the TPA connector undergoing SFI inspection can be adjusted. In embodiments where the position setter 400 is applied, the connector fixture formed in a form suitable for FFI, relative to other types of TPA connectors, can be used in SFI as is. If the front length of the TPA connector is greater than its side length, a bracket for the connector fixture can be formed so that the mounting position of the TPA connector can be adjusted using the position setter during FFI inspection.

[0159] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, the upper part of the connector clamp forming the rear wall of the bracket can be configured as a stack of thin-thick liner plates 422. i The number of layers (i = 1, 2, ..., N) determines the mounting position in the bracket, allowing for the matching of various types of TPA connectors to be inspected.

[0160] according to Figure 14 The connector clamp 420 of the structure, excluding the liner 422 i In addition, it includes a support plate 421 that is screwed and fixed to the rear wall of the connector fixture. After determining the area of ​​the TPA connector of the type to be inspected, it should be installed in the bracket 32. The operator first combines (431) the number of bushings with a thickness corresponding to the distance from the rear surface 423 of the connector fixture at the position that becomes the boundary of the determined area, and fixes (432) the support plate 421 to the rear wall of the connector fixture 420 with screws, wherein the bushings are connected to the support plate 421.

[0161] On the other hand, in the above embodiment, the premise is that the operator holds the TPA connector in the connector holder for a short period of about 1 second until the carrier moves forward and becomes locked or semi-locked. This is because the power to move the carrier is only provided by pressurized air when the switch 323 on the bottom surface of the holder is pressed.

[0162] In another embodiment of the invention, the CAID is configured to allow an operator to immediately place a TPA connector in the bracket of a CAID in one channel, and then, without a short time interval (which must be maintained in the above embodiment), place another TPA connector in the CAID in another channel. The CAID configured in this embodiment can further improve operability through MIS.

[0163] Figure 15 Only components for CAID according to this embodiment, which differ from those in the embodiments described above, are shown. According to this embodiment, the CAID is configured to include a rotatable connector lock (PCL, Pivotable Connector Lock) 500 connected to the upper surface adjacent to the bracket inlet of the connector clamp 322.

[0164] As shown in the figure, PCL500 includes: a lower base 510 and an upper base 520 stacked on top of each other; a latch bolt 531 with an inclined end; a latch guide 530 mounted on the upper base 520, having a housing function for receiving the latch bolt 531 and a function for guiding the in-and-out movement of the latch bolt 531; a top cover 540 connected to the upper end of one wall of the upper base 520; and a lock / unlock button 534 mounted in two grooves formed parallel to each other in the upper base 520 and the top cover 540 for vertical movement.

[0165] The latch guide 530 has an elastic member, such as a spring at the rear of the latch bolt 531. Therefore, when the inclined surface of the latch bolt 531 is pressed vertically, the latch bolt 531 enters the housing, and when the force is released, the elastic force accumulated in the elastic member is released.

[0166] An elastic member is also provided on the upper base 520 at the bottom of the lock / unlock button 534. When the lock / unlock button 534 is pressed down from top to bottom, this elastic member is compressed. When the pressure is released, it will use its compressed elastic force to push the lock / unlock button 534 up again.

[0167] Because the latch guide 530 has a vertical through hole formed at the other end of the latch bolt 531, and the rotating shaft 532 is inserted into the through hole, it can rotate together with the latch guide 530, as... Figure 16 As shown, when a force is applied to one side of the latch guide 530, the latch guide 530 rotates around the rotation axis 532 toward the lock / unlock button 534. For example, the lower base 510 has a built-in helical spring connected to the rotation axis 532, which accumulates elastic force through the rotation of the rotation axis 532. The built-in helical spring accumulates rotational elastic force as the rotation axis 532 rotates, applying a force to the rotation axis 532 in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0168] PCL500 is coupled and mounted on connector fixture 322, such that the sides of upper base 520 and lower base 510 are perpendicular and coplanar with the second tread surface 328. The TPA connector inserted into the bracket of connector fixture 322 is in close contact with the second tread surface 328, that is, they are on the same plane as the inner sidewall of the bracket. With PCL500 connected to connector fixture 322, only the latching bolt 531 protrudes into the bracket on the vertical plane.

[0169] like Figure 15 and 16 As shown, during the CAID connector inspection process, the PCL500 is connected to the upper part of the connector fixture, and the operation of this process will be described.

[0170] The operator inserts the TPA connector to be inspected into the bracket from the top of the connector clamp, following the same procedure as in the embodiment described above. At this time, the TPA connector presses against the bevel of the latch bolt 531, causing the latch bolt 531 to enter the latch guide 530. When the TPA connector is fully installed in the inspection position, the switch 323 at the bottom of the bracket is pressed, and the TPA connector is installed to the bottom of the latch guide 530. At this point, since the TPA connector side blocking the latch bolt 531 has been removed, the latch bolt 531 protrudes backward from the bracket under elastic force, causing the bottom of the latch bolt 531 to block the upper part of the installed TPA connector. Due to this blockage, the installed TPA connector remains fixed in its position despite the reaction force of the bottom switch 323.

[0171] Once the TPA connector to be inspected is secured in this manner, the operator can perform the same operation on another CAID in the next channel.

[0172] Since the TPA connector, which is held and secured by the latching bolt 531, is in the state of pressing the bottom switch 323 of the bracket, the moving block 430 moves in the inspection direction by the force of pressurized air.

[0173] The front lever 431 is mounted on the top (or side) of the leading edge of the movable block 430 configured according to this embodiment. The front lever 431 is bent as shown, or in another manner, such that its tip faces the side of the latch guide 530 as the movable block 430 moves forward.

[0174] Before the TPA connector, fixed to the bracket, begins to enter the mating box in the moving block 430, the tip of the front lever 431 contacts one side of the latch guide 530. From this point onward, the front lever 431 begins to rotate the latch guide 530 (r52) about the rotation axis 532 by pushing the side (d51) of the latch guide 530.

[0175] The latch guide 530 can only rotate horizontally and cannot move vertically within the width limited by the lower base 510 and the upper cover 540.

[0176] During rotation, the latch guide 530 presses its locking protrusion 534a for a period of time via the lock / unlock button 534. When the force-applied side has completely passed the locking protrusion 534a, the briefly pressed lock / unlock button 534 rises under the action of spring force, causing the locking protrusion 534a to return the rotating latch guide 530 to its original position.

[0177] Because the rotating latch guide 530 is engaged by the locking protrusion 534a, the latch bolt 531 on top of the blocked TPA connector remains disassembled even when the front lever 431 is moved rearward. As in the above embodiment, if an SLS occurs due to incomplete connector assembly, the TPA connector can be automatically disassembled by the solenoid valve 410 of the control unit 61, since the bracket inlet is fully open.

[0178] When inspecting another TPA connector, the operator releases the latch guide 530 from the locking protrusion 534a by pressing the lock / unlock button 534. This causes the accumulated rotational elastic force of the coil spring built into the lower base 510 to rotate the rotation axis 532 in the opposite direction, returning the latch guide 530 to its initial position where it is in close contact with the limiter 533. In this state, as previously described, the operator inserts and secures the next TPA connector to be inspected into the bracket, simultaneously pushing the bevel of the latch bolt 531 with this TPA connector. Subsequent procedures are performed in the same manner as explained above.

[0179] like Figure 16 As shown, with the latch bolt 531 released, the operator can install the TPA connector to be inspected into the bracket. Next, the operator presses the locking / unlocking button 534 to return the latch guide 530 to its original position, thereby securing the installed TPA connector into the bracket.

[0180] Unless the various embodiments of the apparatus for inspecting assembly defects of TPA connectors described so far are incompatible with each other, the embodiments can be suitably selected in various ways and then combined to embody the concepts and ideas of the present invention.

[0181] For illustrative purposes, the embodiments of the present invention described above have been presented; therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications, alterations, substitutions, or additions may be made to the embodiments without departing from the technical principles and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for checking whether a connector is fully assembled, characterized in that, include: A connector clamp configured to have a bracket that is a space open toward at least one side and to mount an assembly connector; A movable block configured to have an internal space open to one side and capable of moving in a first direction toward the bracket and in a second direction opposite to the first direction; A matching box, which is installed in the movable block and moves together with the movable block, and can also move in the movable block in a first direction and a second direction, is shaped such that if a part of the connector protrudes from the outer surface of the connector, its movement in the first direction is blocked by that part of the connector installed in the bracket. A drive unit configured to drive the movement of the moving block in a first direction and a second direction; A contact switch configured to change its electrical state when the mating box moves relative to the moving block in a second direction at predetermined intervals. The moving block is configured such that even when the movement of the matching box in the first direction is blocked, the moving block continues to move further in the first direction at at least a predetermined interval.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A switch that protrudes upward by elastic force is provided on the bottom surface of the bracket. The device is configured to supply power to the drive unit when the switch is pressed by the connector mounted in the bracket. When powered, the drive unit causes the moving block to move in the first direction.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The control unit is configured to move the moving block in the second direction by controlling the operation of the drive unit when the electrical state of the contact switch changes from one state to the other, namely the floating state and the current output state.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The operation of controlling the drive unit is to cut off the power supply to the drive unit. The control unit is configured to maintain a state prior to changing the electrical state of the contact switch back to either the floating state or the current output state, in which power supply to the drive unit is cut off for a predetermined time starting from the point when the electrical state is changed back.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The delayed disconnection unit is configured to output a signal after a predetermined delay from the point when the electrical state changes back to the previous state from either the floating state or the current output state.

6. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit is further configured to turn on the LED light when the electrical state of the contact switch changes from one state to the other, namely a floating state and a current output state, wherein the LED light is mounted on the top of the movable block.

7. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive unit is a pneumatic cylinder driven by pressurized air supplied as power. The control and drive unit operates by driving a solenoid valve, which is connected to a pipe that supplies pressurized air to the pneumatic cylinder, causing the pressurized air in the pipe to be discharged.

8. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A connector lock, which is attached to one side of the tray inlet, is equipped with a latch that can secure the connector to a fixed position on the tray by partially blocking one side of the fixed connector, so as to prevent the fixed connector from being dislodged from the tray by the elastic force of the switch.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The connector lock includes: A rotatable latching member configured to receive a latch for hooking one end of the fixed connector and rotating with the axis as it rotates about the axis; An elastic member, connected to the shaft, is configured to accumulate rotational elastic force as the shaft rotates; A button, mounted on one side of the latching member in the direction of rotation, is movable in a direction perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the latching member. The locking protrusion is formed on one surface of the button and is configured to block a portion of a sidewall of the latching member when the latching member rotates at a predetermined angle, thereby preventing the latching member from returning to its pre-rotation state due to the rotational elastic force of the elastic member.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, A rod mounted on the surface of the movable block facing the first direction is configured to release the locked state of the fixed connector caused by the latch by pushing the latch at the top when the movable block moves in the first direction.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mating box is configured to include at least one surface that, when the moving block moves in a first direction, approaches the terminal fixing mounting surface of the connector mounted on the bracket within a predetermined gap.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mating box includes a plate configured to have a surface arranged parallel to the terminal fixing mounting surface of the connector located in the bracket. Furthermore, the plate is located at the front of the mating box in a first direction, and approaches the terminal fixing mounting surface when the moving block moves in the first direction.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The configuration of the matching box allows for an adjustable distance between a surface and a surface that is fixedly coupled to one end of the contact switch.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector clamp is configured to adjust its position according to the open side so as to secure the connector in the bracket by connecting / disconnecting at least one plate-shaped member.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An elastic member, capable of contracting or extending along the direction of movement of the moving block, is inserted between a first surface of the moving block perpendicular to the first direction and a second surface of a mating box opposite to the first surface. In this circuit, one end of the contact switch is fixed to a first surface, and the other end of the contact switch is fixed to a second surface, with at least one end of the switch protruding from the fixed surface. The elastic member has such a length that its two ends separate at a predetermined interval or less when no force is applied to the mating box.

16. An apparatus for collectively detecting each assembly state of a plurality of connectors, characterized in that, include: The apparatus according to claims 1; The control unit is configured to move a moving block in any device in a direction away from the connector clamp in any device by controlling the operation of the drive unit in any device when the electrical state of the contact switch included in any device changes from one state to the other, namely a floating state and a current output state.

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