Method for assembling metal PIN of 3D printing connector

Abstract

The invention provides a method for assembling a metal PIN of a 3D printing connector. According to the method, for the 3D printing connector with at least one PIN hole formed by photosensitive resin, a metal PIN needle is arranged, and limiting clamping points are symmetrically arranged on the left side and the right side of the metal PIN needle so as to ensure that the metal PIN needle cannot be separated from the PIN hole after assembly. The assembling method comprises the following steps of: pre-assembling the metal PIN needle into the connector PIN hole; the PIN hole area is heated for 8-15 seconds at the temperature of 230-270 DEG C through a hot air gun, so that surrounding materials are softened; then, the metal PINs are quickly pressed into the PIN holes by using a PIN mounting jig; and finally, the material is placed for 55-70 seconds, the material is cooled and recovered to the original strength and hardness, and therefore the limiting clamping points of the metal PINs are firmly fixed in the PIN holes. The method not only solves the technical problem of the 3D printing connector in the aspect of PIN assembly, but also remarkably improves the manufacturing efficiency and quality of the connector, and has positive influence on the development of the connector industry.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of 3D printed connectors, and in particular to a method for assembling metal PIN needles of a 3D printed connector. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of connector technology, especially in industries such as automobiles, the functions of connectors are becoming increasingly complex, and the number of pins required is also increasing. Traditional connector manufacturing methods have been unable to meet these new demands in some aspects, especially in the manufacture of multi-pin connectors. In recent years, the rapid advancement of 3D printing technology has brought new possibilities to the connector industry, allowing manufacturers to more quickly confirm the structure and function of products when making prototypes before mold opening.

[0003] However, the application of 3D printing technology in connector manufacturing also faces some challenges. In particular, due to the cost and technical limitations of 3D printed parts (usually resins, engineering material resins, and photosensitive resins), the printed connector body often has problems with the size and accuracy of the PIN pinholes. PIN pinholes are usually small, and the inner surface of the hole may be rough or partially blind, which makes traditional assembly processes such as plug-in pins and riveting PIN pins difficult to achieve. Therefore, prototypes made using 3D printing technology are usually unable to assemble metal PIN pins, especially in the case of multi-PIN connectors, which greatly reduces the effectiveness of the prototype in confirming the basic functions of the connector before the early mold opening. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a method for assembling a metal PIN needle on a 3D printed connector body, which can effectively assemble the metal PIN needle on the 3D printed connector body and ensure that the mating retention force between the metal PIN needle and the 3D printed body meets industry standards.

[0005] In order to achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] A method for assembling metal PIN pins of a 3D printed connector.

[0007] The 3D printed connector has at least one PIN hole, and the material of the PIN hole is photosensitive resin;

[0008] The metal PIN pin is symmetrically provided with limit card points on the left and right sides. After the metal PIN pin is assembled to the 3D printed connector, the limit card points cooperate with the PIN hole to limit the metal PIN pin from being separated from the PIN hole.

[0009] The following steps are involved:

[0010] S1. Pre-install the metal PIN into the PIN hole of the 3D printed connector;

[0011] S2. Then, use a hot air gun to heat the PIN hole area of ​​the 3D printed connector at a temperature of 230° to 270° for 8 seconds to 15 seconds to soften the material around the PIN hole;

[0012] S3. After the material softens, quickly use the PIN fixture to press the metal PIN pre-installed on the 3D printed connector into the PIN hole;

[0013] S4. Leave it for 55 to 70 seconds to cool down and restore the material around the PIN hole to its original strength and hardness, so that the limit point of the metal PIN needle is firmly fixed in the PIN hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the PIN installation fixture includes a base, a lower positioning seat, an upper mounting frame, a driving cylinder and an upper pressing part. The lower positioning seat is installed on the base and is used to position the 3D printed connector. The driving cylinder is installed on the upper mounting frame. The upper pressing part is connected to the driving cylinder. The driving cylinder can drive the upper pressing part to descend to press the metal PIN needle pre-installed on the 3D printed connector into the PIN hole.

[0015] Furthermore, the upper pressing part is provided with a plurality of pressing limit grooves corresponding to the metal PIN needle. During pressing, the upper part of the metal PIN needle is located in the pressing limit groove, and the lower end surface of the upper pressing part drives the metal PIN needle to descend by pressing down the step part in the middle part of the metal PIN needle.

[0016] Further, in step S2, the hot air gun heats the PIN hole area of ​​the 3D printed connector at a temperature of 240° to 260° for 9 seconds to 12 seconds to soften the material around the PIN hole.

[0017] Further, in step S2, a hot air gun heats the PIN hole area of ​​the 3D printed connector at a temperature of 250° for 10 seconds to soften the material around the PIN hole.

[0018] Furthermore, in step S4, the mixture is left to stand for 58 to 65 seconds to cool down the temperature.

[0019] Furthermore, in step S4, the mixture is left to stand for 60 seconds to cool down.

[0020] Furthermore, the limit clamping point is a wave-shaped limit clamping point.

[0021] Furthermore, the limit clamping point forms an angle with the axis of the metal PIN needle, and the angle is 25° to 35°.

[0022] Furthermore, the limit clamping point forms an angle with the axis of the metal PIN needle, and the angle is 32°.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0024] (1) This application effectively solves the problem of small size and low precision of the PIN hole of the 3D printed connector body through the design of heating, pressing and cooling steps and limit points, so that the metal PIN pin can be successfully assembled and retained in the PIN hole, thereby restoring the effect of the connector prototype on confirming the basic function of the connector before the early mold opening.

[0025] (2) The present application utilizes the property of photosensitive resin material that it becomes soft when heated and hardens at room temperature. Through the steps of heating, pressing and cooling, the present application ensures a firm fit between the metal PIN needle and its limit card point and the PIN hole, thereby improving the stability and reliability of the connector.

[0026] (3) The present application is not only applicable to the assembly of a single PIN, but also to the case of a connector with multiple PINs. There is no need to make major modifications to the traditional processes such as pin insertion and riveting, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and improving production efficiency.

[0027] (4) By combining 3D printing technology with the assembly method of the present application, the structure and function of the product can be confirmed more quickly before mold opening, reducing the risk of mold opening failure due to design or functional problems, thereby reducing overall development costs and time.

[0028] In summary, the present application provides an effective and practical solution, which not only solves the technical difficulties in PIN pin assembly of 3D printed connectors, but also improves the manufacturing efficiency and quality of connectors, and has a positive role in promoting the development of the connector industry. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a 3D printed connector provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for assembling a metal PIN needle from a 3D printed connector provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a PIN installation fixture provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a metal PIN needle provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Description of reference numerals:

[0034] 1. 3D printed connector; 2. PIN hole; 3. Limiting point; 4. Hot air gun; 5. PIN fixture; 6. Metal PIN needle;

[0035] 51. base; 52. lower positioning seat; 53. upper mounting frame; 54. driving cylinder; 55. upper pressing part;

[0036] 551, press fit limit groove; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The terms used in the implementation method part of this application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application. The implementation method of the embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the 3D printed connector 1 has a plurality of PIN holes 2, and the material of the PIN holes 2 is photosensitive resin; the limit card points 3 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the metal PIN pin 6, and after the metal PIN pin 6 is assembled to the 3D printed connector 1, the limit card points 3 cooperate with the PIN holes 2 to limit the metal PIN pin 6 from being separated from the PIN holes 2;

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, a method for assembling a metal PIN needle 6 of a 3D printed connector 1 includes the following steps:

[0040] S1. First, select a metal PIN needle 6 that meets the design requirements and ensure that the limit card point 3 on it is intact and symmetrical. Pre-install the metal PIN needle 6 into the PIN hole 2 of the 3D printed connector 1, pay attention to the alignment position, and ensure that the metal PIN needle 6 does not shake significantly after pre-installation;

[0041] S2. Use the hot air gun 4 to heat the PIN hole 2 area of ​​the 3D printed connector 1. The heating temperature must be strictly controlled between 230° and 270° to avoid deformation of the material due to excessively high temperature or failure to soften the material due to excessively low temperature. The heating time lasts for 8 seconds to 15 seconds, and the specific time is adjusted according to the softening degree of the material around the PIN hole 2. During the heating process, the hot air gun 4 must be kept at an appropriate distance from the PIN hole 2 area to ensure uniform heating;

[0042] S3. After the material softens, Figure 3 As shown, a specially designed PIN fixture 5 is used to quickly press the metal PIN needle 6 pre-installed on the 3D printed connector 1 into the PIN hole 2. During the pressing process, the verticality of the fixture and the connector must be maintained to ensure that the metal PIN needle 6 can be accurately and stably pressed into the PIN hole 2 and achieve the required matching accuracy;

[0043] S4. After the pressing is completed, the connector is placed for a period of time, usually 55 seconds to 70 seconds, to cool down the temperature. During the cooling process, the material around the PIN hole 2 will recover to its original strength and hardness, so that the limit point 3 of the metal PIN needle 6 is firmly fixed in the PIN hole 2, forming a stable connection.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the PIN fixture 5 includes a base 51, a lower positioning seat 52, an upper mounting frame 53, a driving cylinder 54 and an upper pressing part 55. The lower positioning seat 52 is installed on the base 51 and is used to position the 3D printed connector 1. The driving cylinder 54 is provided with two groups respectively installed on the upper mounting frame 53. The upper pressing part 55 is provided with two groups corresponding to the driving cylinder 54 and is connected to the two groups of driving cylinders 54 respectively. The driving cylinder 54 can drive the upper pressing part 55 to descend and press the metal PIN needle 6 pre-installed on the 3D printed connector 1 into the PIN hole 2. The lower positioning seat 52 is installed on the base 51 and is specifically used to accurately position the 3D printed connector 1. This design ensures that the position of the connector during the assembly process is accurate and avoids assembly problems caused by position offset. The driving cylinder 54 is connected to the upper pressing part 55 through the upper mounting frame 53, and can stably provide pressing force. After the material softens, the driving cylinder 54 drives the upper pressing part 55 to descend, and the metal PIN needle 6 pre-installed on the connector is pressed into the PIN hole 2 accurately and stably, ensuring the accuracy and stability of assembly.

[0045] In this embodiment, the upper pressing part 55 is provided with a plurality of pressing limit grooves 551 corresponding to the metal PIN needle 6. During pressing, the upper part of the metal PIN needle 6 is located in the pressing limit groove 551, and the lower end surface of the upper pressing part 55 drives the metal PIN needle 6 to descend by pressing down the step portion in the middle of the metal PIN needle 6. The design of the pressing limit groove 551 ensures the precise positioning of the metal PIN needle 6 during the pressing process. The upper part of each metal PIN needle 6 can be accurately located in the corresponding pressing limit groove 551, preventing displacement or misalignment during the pressing process. By pressing down the step portion in the middle of the metal PIN needle 6, the upper pressing part 55 can apply pressure evenly, driving the metal PIN needle 6 to stably descend and press into the PIN hole 2. This design ensures the uniform distribution of the pressing force and improves the assembly accuracy.

[0046] In this embodiment, in step S2, the temperature of the hot air gun 4 on the PIN hole 2 area of ​​the 3D printed connector 1 is between 230° and 270°. If the heating temperature is less than 230°, the temperature is too low and the material around the PIN hole 2 may not be fully softened, making it difficult to smoothly press the metal PIN needle 6 during pressing, increasing the difficulty of assembly and the failure rate. If the heating temperature is greater than 270°, the excessively high temperature may cause the material around the PIN hole 2 to deform, or even damage the structure of the connector itself, making the connector unable to be used normally. The heating time lasts for 8 seconds to 15 seconds

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature is 240° to 260° and the heating is performed for 9 seconds to 12 seconds to soften the material around the PIN hole 2 .

[0048] In the best embodiment, in step S2, the hot air gun 4 heats the PIN hole 2 area of ​​the 3D printed connector 1 at a temperature of 250° for 10 seconds to soften the material around the PIN hole 2.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature is cooled down by leaving the mixture for 58 to 65 seconds in step S4.

[0050] In the best embodiment, the temperature is cooled down by leaving the sample for 60 seconds in step S4.

[0051]

[0052] Through comparative analysis, we can see that:

[0053] The too-low-temperature embodiment may not fully soften the material due to the too-low temperature, which increases the difficulty of assembly and the failure rate. Therefore, it is not suitable for scenarios where the material needs to be softened.

[0054] The general embodiment provides a wide but effective temperature and time range, applicable to a variety of materials and situations, with high flexibility.

[0055] Based on the general embodiment, the preferred embodiment further narrows the range of temperature and time, making the heating process more precise and controllable, while optimizing the cooling time, which helps to improve production efficiency and assembly quality.

[0056] The best embodiment achieves the most precise temperature and time control, as well as the optimal cooling time, thereby ensuring that the materials are assembled in the best condition, further improving the overall quality of the product.

[0057] Excessively high temperature embodiments Since excessive temperature may cause deformation or damage to the material, destroy the structure of the connector itself, and make the connector unable to be used normally, it needs to be avoided in practical applications.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the limit card point 3 is a wavy limit card point 3. The wavy limit card point 3 design increases the contact area with the inner wall of the PIN hole 2, so that the photosensitive resin material can better fill and fit the shape of the PIN hole 2 during the heating and pressing process.

[0059] This design improves the fixing effect of the limit clamping point 3 on the PIN hole 2, ensuring that the metal PIN needle 6 can be firmly held in place after insertion and is not prone to loosening or falling off.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the limit card point 3 forms an angle a with the axis of the metal PIN needle 6, and the angle a is 25° to 35°. When the limit card point 3 forms a certain angle a with the axis of the metal PIN needle 6, this non-vertical design makes the limit card point 3 more effective in limiting the movement of the PIN needle. It can constrain the PIN needle in multiple directions, thereby enhancing the stability of the connection. The angle a is controlled between 25° and 35°, which is neither too large nor too small, ensuring that the limit card point 3 can provide sufficient fixing force without causing excessive stress concentration on the PIN needle.

[0061] In this embodiment, the limit clamping point 3 forms an angle a with the axis o of the metal PIN needle 6, and the angle a is 32°.

[0062] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, or it can be an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0063] In the embodiments of the present application, the devices or elements referred to or implied must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the embodiments of the present application. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise precisely and specifically specified.

[0064] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. (if any) in the description and claims of the embodiments of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein, for example, can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "may include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0065] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the embodiments of the present application are described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the technical solutions described in the above embodiments can still be modified, or some or all of the technical features can be replaced by equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for assembling metal PIN pins of a 3D printed connector, characterized in that: The 3D printed connector has at least one PIN hole, and the material of the PIN hole is photosensitive resin; The metal PIN pin is symmetrically provided with limit card points on the left and right sides. After the metal PIN pin is assembled to the 3D printed connector, the limit card points cooperate with the PIN hole to limit the metal PIN pin from being separated from the PIN hole. The following steps are involved: S1. Pre-install the metal PIN into the PIN hole of the 3D printed connector; S2. Then, use a hot air gun to heat the PIN hole area of ​​the 3D printed connector at a temperature of 230° to 270° for 8 seconds to 15 seconds to soften the material around the PIN hole; S3. After the material softens, quickly use the PIN fixture to press the metal PIN pin pre-installed on the 3D printed connector into the PIN hole; S4. Leave it for 55 to 70 seconds to cool down and restore the material around the PIN hole to its original strength and hardness, so that the limit point of the metal PIN needle is firmly fixed in the PIN hole.

2. A method for assembling a metal PIN needle of a 3D printed connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The PIN installation fixture includes a base, a lower positioning seat, an upper mounting frame, a driving cylinder and an upper pressing part. The lower positioning seat is installed on the base and is used to position the 3D printed connector. The driving cylinder is installed on the upper mounting frame. The upper pressing part is connected to the driving cylinder. The driving cylinder can drive the upper pressing part to descend and press the metal PIN needle pre-installed on the 3D printed connector into the PIN hole.

3. A method for assembling a metal PIN needle of a 3D printed connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper pressing part is provided with a plurality of pressing limit grooves corresponding to the metal PIN needle. When pressing, the upper part of the metal PIN needle is located in the pressing limit groove, and the lower end surface of the upper pressing part drives the metal PIN needle to descend by pressing down the step part in the middle of the metal PIN needle.

4. A method for assembling a metal PIN pin of a 3D printed connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, a hot air gun heats the PIN hole area of ​​the 3D printed connector at a temperature of 240° to 260° for 9 seconds to 12 seconds to soften the material around the PIN hole.

5. A method for assembling a metal PIN needle of a 3D printed connector according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S2, a hot air gun heats the PIN hole area of ​​the 3D printed connector at a temperature of 250° for 10 seconds to soften the material around the PIN hole.

6. A method for assembling a metal PIN needle of a 3D printed connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, the mixture is left to stand for 58 to 65 seconds to cool down.

7. A method for assembling a metal PIN needle of a 3D printed connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step S4, the mixture is left to stand for 60 seconds to cool down.

8. The method for assembling a metal PIN pin of a 3D printed connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limit clamping point is a wave-shaped limit clamping point.

9. The method for assembling a metal PIN needle of a 3D printed connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limit clamping point forms an angle with the axis of the metal PIN needle, and the angle is 25° to 35°.

10. A method for assembling metal PIN pins of a 3D printed connector according to claim 9, characterized in that: The limit clamping point forms an angle with the axis of the metal PIN needle, and the angle is 32°.

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