Applicator

Abstract

The invention provides an applicator capable of easily adjusting the height position of an anvil and a crimping device. An applicator (100) is provided with a main body (10) to which an anvil (4) is mounted, and a ram (60) to which a crimper (5) is mounted, the applicator (100) being configured so that a terminal fitting (91) is pressed and crimped to an electric wire by approaching the crimper (5) to the anvil (4) at a predetermined gap (CL), and the applicator (100) being further provided with a restriction mechanism (R) that restricts the anvil (4) and the terminal fitting (91). And a restriction mechanism (R) that restricts the movement of the reference height position (PR) of the ram (60) to a position below the height restriction position (PL) when the ram (60) approaches the main body part (10), and the predetermined height dimension (H0) is set so that the crimper (5) approaches the anvil (4) across the gap (CL) when the reference height position (PR) is located at the height restriction position (PL).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for crimping an electric wire to a terminal fitting, and more particularly to an applicator for crimping an electric wire to a chain terminal formed by connecting a plurality of terminal fittings via a belt-shaped carrier. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there is a known applicator for continuously crimping a stripped wire to a terminal (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). Such an applicator is provided with a pressing head that can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction relative to the base portion. A driving rod constituting a driving source of the crimping machine is connected to the pressing head, and the driving source drives the pressing head in the vertical direction. If the pressing head is driven in the vertical direction, the terminal fitting is pressed by an anvil arranged on the base portion and a crimper arranged on the pressing head, and the wire is crimped to the terminal fitting.

[0003] The applicator is designed to allow for relative position adjustment of the anvil and crimper in the left-right direction (the direction in which the carrier of the chain terminal travels), the depth direction (the direction in which the terminal fitting extends relative to the carrier), and the vertical direction (or height direction). Furthermore, the crimping machine's drive source (e.g., an electric motor and a piston-crank mechanism) is configured so that its drive rod moves up and down with a predetermined stroke length between predetermined top and bottom dead centers.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-111939

[0005] Therefore, in the past, the position adjustment of the anvil and the crimper in the left-right direction and the depth direction can be completed in the applicator. On the other hand, since the position adjustment of the anvil and the crimper in the up-down direction is related to the setting of the drive source (stroke length, bottom dead center position, etc.), it cannot be completed in the applicator, and needs to be adjusted in conjunction with the real object. Therefore, in the past, for the position adjustment in the up-down direction, the rough adjustment of the bottom dead center position, etc. is first performed in the drive source. At this time, relative to the applicator, the bottom dead center of the drive rod of the drive source is set farther to prevent the anvil and the crimper from colliding and being damaged at the bottom dead center in the applicator. That is, the relative initial position of the crimper relative to the up-down direction of the anvil is set far enough.

[0006] Then, while manually rotating the driving source such as the motor to move it to the lower dead center, the distance (gap) between the anvil and the crimper is confirmed visually. Then, fine-tuning including position adjustment of the driving source (adjustment of the lower dead center position, etc.) and / or position adjustment of the applicator (position adjustment of the anvil and the crimper) is repeated to gradually approach the set value of the gap. At this time, the terminal fittings are actually pressed and the wires are crimped by the anvil and the crimper, and the pass or fail of the height position adjustment is judged based on the pressing state. In this way, in the existing applicator, it is necessary to repeatedly perform multiple position adjustments and pressing operations, and there is a problem that the height position adjustment of the anvil and the crimper takes a long time.

[0007] Furthermore, in conventional applicators, height adjustment is performed by both the crimping machine and the applicator. Consequently, if a malfunction occurs over time, such as a poor compression state, it is very difficult to determine which part of the entire device is responsible. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an applicator that can easily adjust the height positions of an anvil and a crimper.

[0009] The applicator involved in one embodiment of the present invention is an applicator for crimping an electric wire to a terminal fitting, and is characterized in that the above-mentioned applicator includes: a main body for mounting an anvil; and a pressure head for mounting a crimper, and the above-mentioned pressure head can be raised and lowered in the up and down directions relative to the above-mentioned main body. The applicator is constructed so that the crimper approaches the anvil on which the terminal fitting is placed with a specified gap through the lifting and lowering action of the pressure head, thereby pressing the terminal fitting by the anvil and the crimper to crimp the terminal fitting to the electric wire. The applicator also includes a limiting mechanism, which limits the reference height position of the pressure head to a position below the height limit position when the pressure head approaches the main body. The height limit position is a position with a specified height dimension upward relative to the main body, and the specified height dimension is set so that when the reference height position is at the height limit position, the crimper approaches the anvil across the gap.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an applicator capable of easily adjusting the height positions of an anvil and a crimper. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of an applicator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3It is a front view of the applicator concerning embodiment of this invention.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a chain terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 5 It is an explanatory diagram of a terminal feeding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 6 It is an explanatory diagram of a terminal feeding mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 7 It is an explanatory diagram of an engagement member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a partial cross-sectional view of an engagement member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 9A It is an operation explanatory diagram of the link mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention (top dead center).

[0020] Figure 9B It is an operation explanatory diagram of the link mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention (bottom dead center).

[0021] Figure 10A It is an operation explanatory diagram of the carrier movement restriction mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention (top dead center).

[0022] Figure 10B It is an operation explanatory diagram of the carrier movement restriction mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention (bottom dead center).

[0023] Figure 11A It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the engagement member according to the embodiment of the present invention (top dead center).

[0024] Figure 11B It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the engagement member according to the embodiment of the present invention (disengaged position).

[0025] Figure 11C It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the engagement member according to the embodiment of the present invention (bottom dead center).

[0026] Figure 12A It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the feed claw according to the embodiment of the present invention (top dead center).

[0027] Figure 12B It is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the feed claw according to the embodiment of the present invention (disengaged position).

[0028] Figure 12CIt is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the feed claw according to the embodiment of the present invention (bottom dead center).

[0029] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram of the gap adjustment between the anvil and the crimper according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Description of Reference Numerals

[0031] 4…anvil; 5…crimping tool; 10…main body; 11…base; 14…mounting plate; 14a…upper surface; 20…frame; 21…back panel; 22a, 22b…side panels; 30…anvil holder; 30a, 30b…upper surface; 33…tab cutter; 40…terminal feed mechanism; 42…link member; 43A, 43B…cam follower; 44…sliding guide; 44A…engaging upper groove; 44B…engaging lower groove; 44C…recess; 44a…guide hole; 44b…through hole; 44c…side surface; 44d…bottom surface; 45…sliding member; 46b…cam groove; 47…return member; 50…support Component; 53a…Force-applying member; 55…Engaging member; 58…Feed claw; 58a…Neck; 58b…Extended protrusion; 59…Plunger; 59a…Engaging pin; 59b…Force-applying member; 60…Press head; 61…Press head body; 62a, 62b…Press head side walls; 64…Back panel; 64a…Cam groove; 66…Crimper holder; 70…Carrier movement limiting mechanism; 71…Guide pin; 90…Chain terminal; 91…Terminal fitting; 93A…Wire barrel portion; 93B…Coated barrel portion; 95…Carrier; 96…Guide hole; 97…Feed hole; 100…Applicator; CS…Crimping portion; LM…Link mechanism; R…Limiting mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] [Overall structure]

[0034] First, refer to Figures 1 to 3 , a brief structure of an applicator involved in one embodiment of the present invention is described. Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the applicator at the top dead center. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the applicator at the bottom dead center. Figure 3This is a front view of the applicator when it is at the top dead point. The applicator 100 involved in this embodiment includes a main body 10 placed on the floor FL, a terminal feeding mechanism 40 and a pressure head (lifting part) 60. The applicator 100 is constructed as follows: the pressure head 60 repeatedly performs a lifting and lowering action between the top dead point and the bottom dead point relative to the main body 10, whereby the terminal feeding mechanism 40 sends the chain terminal 90 to the crimping part CS, and presses the terminal fitting 91 of the chain terminal 90 in the crimping part CS to crimp the wire to the terminal fitting 91. The crimping part CS includes: a pressure head 60, an anvil retainer 30 for holding the anvil 4; and a main body 10, a crimper retainer 66 for holding the crimper 5.

[0035] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown, in the depth direction Y (also referred to as the "front-back direction Y") of the applicator 100, the front side of the device is referred to as the front side (F), and the back side is referred to as the rear side (R). In addition, in the lateral direction X (also referred to as the "feed direction X") of the applicator 100, the right side is referred to as the downstream side (D), and the left side is referred to as the upstream side (U). In addition, the vertical direction Z of the applicator 100 is also referred to as the up-down direction Z.

[0036] The main body 10 has a flat mounting plate 14 fixed to a flat base 11 placed on the floor FL, and includes a frame 20, anvil holder 30, etc. mounted on the mounting plate 14. In addition, a terminal feeding mechanism 40 is also mounted on the mounting plate 14 and becomes one with the main body 10.

[0037] The frame portion 20 includes a back panel 21, side panels 22a and 22b extending forward from both sides of the back panel 21 in a horizontal direction X, and front panels 23a and 23b mounted in front of the side panels 22a and 22b. These panels form a guide space that is roughly rectangular when viewed from above. The guide space allows the ram 60 to be guided and raised. The anvil retainer 30 extends below the front panels 23a and 23b in a horizontal direction X and a depth direction Y, securing the anvil 4 to the upper surface of the mounting plate 14, which serves as a reference surface. Furthermore, a tab cutter 33 and the like are assembled into the anvil retainer 30.

[0038] The ram 60 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape, with a ram body 61 on the front side, a back panel 64 fixed to the back of the ram body 61 and extending downward than the ram body 61, and a crimper retainer 66 arranged on the ram body 61. A connecting portion 61a for connecting with the drive source 1 is formed on the upper surface of the ram body 61. The back panel 64 constitutes a part of the link mechanism LM described later. The crimper retainer 66 is arranged in the space obtained by digging through the front side and lower side of the ram body 61 (that is, the space clamped by the ram side walls 62a and 62b on both sides of the X direction of the crimper retainer 66). The crimper retainer 66 is configured to fix the crimper and adjust the position respectively in the XYZ direction. For example, by operating the position adjustment mechanism 63 by the user, the up and down position of the crimper can be fine-tuned from the reference height position.

[0039] The driving source 1 is, for example, an electric motor having a driving rod 2 as an output shaft and a piston-crank mechanism. The piston-crank mechanism converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into a linear reciprocating motion and transmits it to the driving rod 2. The driving rod 2 is connected to the connecting portion 61a by a connecting member (handle, pressure head bolt, etc.) connected to the front end. Through the action of the driving source 1, the driving rod 2 moves up and down with a specified stroke length, thereby repeatedly performing a lifting action on the pressure head 60 connected to the lower end of the driving rod 2. In addition, instead, the driving source 1 can also be a hydraulic cylinder having a piston rod, etc.

[0040] [Structure of chain terminal]

[0041] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a chain terminal. Chain terminal 90, which is crimped to a stripped wire, consists of multiple terminal fittings 91 connected in a cantilevered manner to a strip-shaped carrier 95 via tabs 94 at a predetermined terminal pitch. Terminal fittings 91 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of carrier 95. Chain terminal 90 is formed by stamping a conductive plate base material (thin metal plate).

[0042] The terminal fitting 91 has a connecting portion 92 connected to other terminal fittings, etc., and a barrel portion (crimping portion) 93 crimped to the electric wire. The barrel portion 93 has a wire barrel portion 93A for crimping the core wire (metal wire) of the electric wire, and a covering barrel portion 93B for crimping the covering of the electric wire. The wire barrel portion 93A is connected to the carrier 95 via a protrusion 94. These two barrel portions 93A and 93B are respectively pressed by two sets of anvils 4 (4a, 4b) and crimpers 5 (5a, 5b) possessed by the applicator 100. That is, the terminal fitting 91 separated from the carrier 95 by cutting off the protrusion 94 is placed on the anvil 4, the barrel portion 93A is pressed by the anvil 4a and the crimper 5a, and the barrel portion 93B is pressed by the anvil 4b and the crimper 5b.

[0043] The carrier 95 is provided with circular guide holes 96 and rectangular feed holes 97 alternately arranged along its length. The guide holes 96 are formed as through-holes in the carrier 95 extending along the length of each terminal fitting 91. Meanwhile, the feed holes 97 are formed as through-holes midway between two adjacent guide holes 96 along the length of the carrier 95. Furthermore, the feed holes 97 do not necessarily need to be rectangular when viewed from above; they can also be circular, polygonal (such as triangular or pentagonal), or have a shape that connects to the guide holes 96 along their length.

[0044] [Structure of terminal feeding mechanism]

[0045] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 8 , the terminal feeding mechanism 40 of this embodiment is described. Figure 5 and Figure 6 40 is an explanatory diagram of the terminal feeding mechanism. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the engaging component, Figure 8 : is an illustration of the engaging parts. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the figure, rollers and the like are omitted for ease of understanding.

[0046] When the carrier 95 of the chain terminal 90 is placed on the rail-shaped carrier guide 41, the terminal feeding mechanism 40 holds the chain terminal 90 by clamping the carrier 95 with the upper and lower roller pairs (upper roller 48A, lower roller 48B) (see FIG. Figure 1 The terminal feed mechanism 40 is configured to intermittently advance the chain terminal 90 by the terminal pitch by reciprocating the feed claw 58 in the feed direction X with a stroke corresponding to the terminal pitch. The link mechanism LM of the terminal feed mechanism 40 converts the Z-direction lifting and lowering motion of the ram 60 into the X-direction reciprocating motion of the feed claw 58. When moving downstream, the feed claw 58 engages with the feed hole 97 of the carrier 95, advancing the chain terminal 90 by the terminal pitch.

[0047] The terminal feeding mechanism 40 includes a cam groove 64a (see Figure 6 ), provided on the back plate 64 of the pressure head 60; the link member 42, which is supported rotatably by the rotating shaft 42a fixed to the frame portion 20 and has cam followers 43A and 43B at both ends; the sliding member 45, which is fixed to the guide hole 44a of the sliding guide 44 of the mounting plate 14 (refer to Figure 1 ) and is able to slide in the X direction; support member 50 is attached to slide member 45; return member 47 is a cam member attached to slide guide 44; and a pair of upper rollers 48A and lower rollers 48B for feeding. Back plate 64, link member 42, and slide member 45 constitute link mechanism LM of this embodiment.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the carrier 95 is fed to the downstream side in the X direction in a state of being sandwiched between the upper roller 48A and the lower roller 48B. The upper roller 48A is rotatable and fixed to the mounting plate 14. The lower roller 48B is a one-way clutch roller or a one-way roller (in Figure 3 The roller 48B is fixed to the mounting plate 14 and is capable of rotating only clockwise. Furthermore, a protrusion is formed on the circumference of the lower roller 48B, which enters at least the guide hole 96 or the feed hole 97 of the carrier 95. Therefore, when the carrier 95 is subjected to an external force directed upstream, the lower roller 48B restricts the carrier 95 from moving upstream.

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, the sliding guide 44 has a guide hole 44a for holding the sliding member 45, which has a generally rectangular shape, so that it can move in the X direction. The guide holes 44a are open at both ends of the sliding guide 44 in the X direction. Furthermore, an insertion hole 44b communicating with the guide hole 44a is provided on the side surface 44c on the front side in the Y direction of the sliding guide 44. The sliding member 45 and the support member 50 are connected via the insertion hole 44b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sliding guide 44 is integrally formed with the frame portion 20 (side plate 22a).

[0050] like Figure 6 As shown, the link member 42 includes an upper arm 42A extending generally upward from a rotation axis 42a, and a lower arm 42B extending generally downward. The link member 42 is rotatable in the XZ plane about the rotation axis 42a. Cam followers 43A and 43B, extending forward in the Y direction, are attached to the front ends of the upper arm 42A and the lower arm 42B, respectively. The cam followers 43A and 43B are rollers rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the rotation axis 42a.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the cam groove 64a is formed in the back plate 64 in a direction inclined relative to the up-down direction Z. Figure 5 As shown, the slide member 45 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a notch 45 a having a rectangular shape in plan view for avoiding contact with the lower arm 42B, and a cam groove 46 b formed to extend from the notch 45 a toward the front side in the Y direction.

[0052] For example, if the pressure head 60 is from the top dead center ( Figure 5 and Figure 6) descends to its bottom dead center, the cam follower 43A on the upper side of the link member 42 moves relatively upward within the cam groove 64a, causing the link member 42 to rotate and the cam follower 43B on the lower side of the link member 42 to move upstream in the X direction. At this time, the cam follower 43B, while remaining within the cam groove 46b of the slide member 45, pushes the slide member 45 upstream in the X direction. This also causes the support member 50, fixed to the slide member 45, to move upstream by the terminal spacing. When the ram 60 ascends, the opposite action occurs.

[0053] The return member 47 is positioned so that it abuts the support member 50 (engaging member 55) when the ram 60 reaches its bottom dead center. Specifically, as will be described later, as the ram 60 rises and falls, the support member 50 reciprocates between a retracted position and an advanced position by the length of the terminal pitch. Furthermore, when the ram 60 is at its bottom dead center, the support member 50 is in its most upstream, retracted position. At this point, the return member 47 abuts the engaging member 55, which is disengaged from the carrier 95, causing it to return to its position of engagement with the carrier 95.

[0054] The support member 50 is connected to the Y-direction front side of the slide member 45 by bolts and moves in the X-direction together with the slide member 45. The support member 50 includes a roller support portion 51 that rotatably supports four rollers 51a, an engaging member 55, and a supporting body portion 53 that rotatably supports the engaging member 55. In this embodiment, the four rollers 51a include three upper rollers on the upper side of the carrier 95 and one lower roller on the lower side of the carrier 95.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the engaging member 55 is roughly L-shaped and has an upper arm member 56 extending in the X direction and a lower arm member 57 extending in the Z direction. A rotating shaft 51b extending in the Y direction is installed on the roller support portion 51 and the support main body portion 53. The rotating shaft 51b is inserted through the engaging member 55 in a manner that passes through the connection portion between the upper arm member 56 and the lower arm member 57, and the engaging member 55 can rotate around the rotating shaft 51b. A force member 53a such as a spring is installed on the support main body portion 53. The force member 53a applies force to the lower arm member 57 toward the rear side in the X direction. Therefore, the engaging member 55 is always pushed toward the rear side in the X direction. Figure 3 The force is applied in the clockwise direction around the rotation axis 51b.

[0056] The upper arm member 56 has a feed claw (engaging piece) 58 at its front end 56a on the downstream side in the X direction. The feed claw 58 is located below the carrier 95 in a plan view so as to be engageable with the feed hole 97 of the carrier 95. The feed claw 58 has a width and height sufficient to fit within the feed hole 97. It includes a neck (protrusion) 58a extending upward from the front end 56a and an extended protrusion 58b extending from the front end of the neck 58a toward the downstream side in the X direction.

[0057] In addition, if Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a plunger 59 is mounted within the front end 56a of the upper arm member 56. The plunger 59 includes an engaging pin 59a, which serves as an engaging protrusion, and a biasing member 59b, such as a spring. The biasing member 59b constantly biases the engaging pin 59a toward the rear in the Y direction. The plunger 59 is positioned at the front end 56a so that the biasing member 59b causes the engaging pin 59a to press against the side surface 44c of the slide guide 44.

[0058] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, two upper engaging grooves 44A and lower engaging grooves 44B extending in the X direction are formed above the insertion hole 44b on the side surface 44c of the sliding guide 44. The upper engaging grooves 44A and lower engaging grooves 44B are capable of engaging with the engaging pin 59a of the plunger 59. When engaged, they retain the engaging pin 59a within the grooves to prevent it from dislodging in the vertical direction Z, while also guiding the engaging pin 59a in the X direction. Furthermore, a recess 44C is formed within a predetermined range in the X direction on the side surface 44c. The recess 44C is formed to a depth (in the Y direction) sufficient to prevent the engaging pin 59a of the plunger 59 from pressing against the bottom surface 44d of the recess 44C. Therefore, the upper engaging grooves 44A and lower engaging grooves 44B extend from the upstream end of the sliding guide 44 in the X direction toward the downstream side, but are interrupted midway by the recess 44C. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the engaging pin is configured to engage with the groove formed on the side surface. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the engaging pin may be configured to be held between a plurality of ridges formed on the side surface.

[0059] [Description of the operation of the connecting rod mechanism]

[0060] Reference Figure 9A and Figure 9B , the action of the link mechanism LM is explained. Figure 9A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the ram 60 is at the top dead center, the slide member 45 and the support member 50 are located at the most downstream side in the X direction. When the ram 60 descends from this state, the cam follower 43A on the upper side of the link member 42 is guided in the cam groove 64a of the ram 60 and moves relatively upward in the cam groove 64a. At this time, the link member 42 is at Figure 9AAs a result, the cam follower 43B on the lower side pushes the sliding member 45 toward the upstream side in the X direction in the cam groove 46b of the sliding member 45. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 9B As shown, when the ram 60 reaches the bottom dead center, the slide member 45 and the support member 50 are located on the most upstream side in the X direction. When the ram 60 moves from the bottom dead center toward the top dead center, the reverse operation is performed.

[0061] [Structure of the carrier movement restriction mechanism]

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Next, the carrier movement limiting mechanism 70 included in the applicator 100 will be described. The carrier movement limiting mechanism 70 is configured to prevent the carrier 95 from unintentionally moving in the feed direction X when the ram 60 is lowered and the terminal fitting 91 is pressed. The carrier movement limiting mechanism 70 includes a guide pin 71, a substantially L-shaped actuating link member 73 for actuating the guide pin 71, and a plate cam 77 provided on the back plate 64 of the ram 60.

[0063] The actuating link component 73 includes an upper arm 74 extending generally upward, and a horizontal arm 75 extending generally horizontally from the lower end of the upper arm 74 toward the front in the Y direction. The upper end of the upper arm 74 is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 74a extending in the X direction. The rotating shaft 74a is fixed to the frame portion 20, for example. Furthermore, a groove is formed at the lower end of the upper arm 74, extending toward the front in the Y direction. A cam follower 74A is disposed within this groove. The cam follower 74A is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 74b extending in the X direction. The cam follower 74A partially protrudes toward the rear in the Y direction beyond the rear surface of the upper arm 74.

[0064] The horizontal arm 75 protrudes toward the front side of the mounting plate 14 through a hole formed in the mounting plate 14 and extending in the Y direction. A guide pin 71 is attached to the horizontal arm 75 so as to extend upward. The base end of the guide pin 71 is connected to the mounting pin extending in the X direction (see FIG. Figure 10A ) is mounted on the horizontal arm 75 so that the guide pin 71 can swing forward and backward in the Y direction. The guide pin 71 is configured to enter the guide hole 96 of the carrier 95 from below when the ram 60 is near its bottom dead center. Furthermore, a biasing member 76, such as a spring, is disposed above the horizontal arm 75 to bias the horizontal arm 75 downward. Therefore, the horizontal arm 75 is constantly biased about the rotation axis 74a so that its front end abuts the upper surface of the base 11.

[0065] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, a plate cam 77 is provided on the back plate 64 of the ram 60 so as to extend downward from the center portion in the X direction. The plate cam 77 has a cam surface 77a on the front side in the Y direction. The cam surface 77a is an inclined surface that tilts toward the rear side in the Y direction as it approaches the bottom side. When the ram 60 is near the bottom dead center, the cam surface 77a abuts against the cam follower 74A of the actuating link member 73, causing the actuating link member 73 to rotate.

[0066] [Operation description of the load-carrying member movement restriction mechanism]

[0067] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B , the operation of the carrier movement limiting mechanism 70 is described. Figure 10A As shown, when the ram 60 is at its top dead center, the lower surface of the front end side of the horizontal arm 75 of the actuating link member 73 abuts against the upper surface of the base portion 11. At this time, the front end of the guide pin 71 is located below the carrier 95. When the ram 60 descends to a predetermined position near the bottom dead center, the cam surface 77a of the plate cam 77 of the rear plate 64 begins to abut against the cam follower 74A of the actuating link member 73.

[0068] Therefore, if Figure 10B As shown, cam follower 74A is pressed forward in the Y direction, rotating link member 73 and lifting guide pin 71 upward. In this position, the tip of guide pin 71 is inserted from below into guide hole 96 of carrier 95, restricting horizontal movement of carrier 95. Subsequently, when ram 60 rises from bottom dead center to a position above a predetermined position before bottom dead center, guide pin 71 moves downward out of guide hole 96 of carrier 95. Thus, horizontal movement (X-direction movement) of carrier 95 is permitted when ram 60 is not near bottom dead center, but is restricted near bottom dead center (i.e., during compression).

[0069] [Description of terminal feeding mechanism operation]

[0070] Next, refer to Figures 11A to 12C , the operation of the terminal feeding mechanism 40 is described. Figure 11A 、 Figure 11B 、 Figure 11C These are diagrams illustrating the operation of the engaging member 55 when the ram 60 is at the top dead center, the disengaged position, and the bottom dead center, respectively. Figure 12A 、 Figure 12B 、 Figure 12C These are diagrams for explaining the operation of the feed claw 58 when the ram 60 is located at the top dead center, the disengaged position, and the bottom dead center, respectively.

[0071] First, if Figure 11AAs shown, when the pressure head 60 is at the top dead center, the engaging member 55 is at the first engaging position (first horizontal position) and the forward position on the most downstream side in the X direction. That is, at the first engaging position, as shown in FIG. Figure 12A As shown, the feed claw 58 is engaged with the feed hole 97 of the carrier 95. At this time, the engagement pin 59a of the plunger 59 is located in the recess 44C where the engagement upper groove 44A and the engagement lower groove 44B are not formed. In other words, the engagement upper groove 44A (and the engagement lower groove 44B) are at least not set in the disengagement position. The engagement member 55 is always subjected to a force from the force applying member 53a in the direction of disengagement from the feed hole 97 of the carrier 95 (at the time of the engagement pin 59a). Figure 11A However, since the lower surface of the extended protrusion 58b of the feed claw 58 is placed on the upper surface of the carrier 95, the rotation of the engaging member 55 is restricted and maintained at the first engaging position.

[0072] Next, if Figure 11B As shown, when the ram 60 is slightly lowered from its top dead center by a predetermined height to a predetermined disengaged position, the engaging member 55 moves upstream from its advanced position by a predetermined distance. Meanwhile, the carrier 95's upstream movement is restricted by the lower roller 48B, which functions as a one-way clutch roller. Therefore, when the extended protrusion 58b of the engaging member 55 moves by the length extending from the neck portion 58a in the X direction, the extended protrusion 58b disengages the feed hole 97.

[0073] Therefore, if Figure 12B As shown, the engaging member 55 is rotated to the disengaged position (inclined position) by the force of the biasing member 53a. At this point, the lower end of the engaging member 55 contacts the support body 53, restricting further rotation. Consequently, the engaging member 55 is held in the inclined position at a predetermined angle. In this embodiment, the inclined position is a height position at which the engaging pin 59a of the plunger 59 can engage with the lower engaging groove 44B.

[0074] When the ram 60 further descends from the disengaged position and the engagement pin 59a is located upstream of the recess 44C, the engagement pin 59a moves in the lower engagement groove 44B. Therefore, during this period, the engagement member 55 is maintained in the disengaged position (or inclined position).

[0075] In addition, if Figure 11C As shown in FIG. 5 , if the pressure head 60 descends to the bottom dead center, the engaging member 55 reaches the retracted position on the upstream side. In the retracted position, the upstream side surface of the lower arm member 57 of the engaging member 55 abuts against the return member 47. As a result, the engaging member 55 overcomes the force of the force-applying member 53a and is forcibly returned to the second engaging position (second horizontal position) from the disengaged position (inclined position). At this time, as shown in FIG. Figure 12CAs shown, the extended protrusion 58b of the engaging member 55 protrudes upward from the feed hole 97 of the carrier 95. At this time, the guide pin 71 is inserted into the guide hole 96 of the carrier 95 by the operation of the carrier movement restriction mechanism 70, thereby restricting the movement of the carrier 95 in the X direction.

[0076] Furthermore, at this time, the engaging pin 59a of the plunger 59 moves from the engaging lower groove 44B into the engaging upper groove 44A. That is, when the upper arm member 56 of the engaging member 55 is forcibly returned to the horizontal state, the engaging pin 59a of the plunger 59 overcomes the urging force of the urging member 59b and is pushed forward in the Y direction, thereby being able to cross the Y-direction step of the engaging lower groove 44B.

[0077] In addition, when the pressure head 60 rises from the lower dead center to the upper dead center, the engaging part 55 moves from the retracted position to the forward position. At this time, the engaging part 55 (neck 58a) pushes the carrier 95 to the downstream side. In addition, when the engaging pin 59a of the plunger 59 engages with the engaging upper groove 44A, the neck 58a presses the inner side surface of the downstream side of the feed hole 97. However, when the engaging pin 59a reaches the recess 44C at a midway position near the forward position of the engaging part 55, the engaging pin 59a cannot engage with the engaging upper groove 44A. Therefore, the engaging part 55 is slightly tilted from the second horizontal position to the first horizontal position (refer to FIG. 1 ) where the lower surface of the extended protrusion 58b contacts the upper surface of the carrier 95 by the force of the force applying part 53a. Figure 12A ) In addition, the engaging member 55 moves from the midway position to the advanced position while maintaining this state.

[0078] In addition, the force of the force-applying component 53a and the force of the force-applying component 59b are set so that when the locking pin 59a of the plunger 59 is located in the locking upper groove 44A, if no other external force is applied (for example, the pressing force from the return component 47), the locking pin 59a will not cross the Y-direction step of the locking upper groove 44A (that is, the locking component 55 will not be displaced from the first horizontal position to the inclined position).

[0079] In addition, near the bottom dead center, the tab cutter 33 cuts off the tab 94 of the carrier 95 in conjunction with the descent of the pressure head 60, thereby cutting off a terminal fitting 91 from the carrier 95 and placing it on the anvil 4. In addition, the wire supply device (not shown) arranges the wire with the coating stripped off on the terminal fitting 91. Then, near the bottom dead center, the crimper 5 approaches the anvil 4 to a specified gap CL, thereby pressing the terminal fitting 91 and the wire tightly. In addition, when the pressure head 60 rises, the wire supply device removes the wire that has become one with the terminal fitting 91 from the applicator 100. In addition, in the applicator 100, the carrier 95 on the downstream side of the terminal fitting 91 to be cut off is cut to a specified length.

[0080] In this embodiment, the terminal feeding mechanism 40 is configured such that the feed claw 58 of the engaging member 55 is moved to the forward position while being inserted into the feed hole 97 of the carrier 95, thereby advancing the carrier 95. Furthermore, when the engaging member 55 returns to the rearward position, it does not contact or rub the carrier 95. Thus, in this embodiment, the generation of metal powder from the carrier 95 can be prevented. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging member 55 and the carrier 95 are engaged and disengaged using components such as the plunger 59, the upper engaging groove 44A, and the biasing member 53a. However, this is not limiting and electrical components (actuators) may also be used.

[0081] [Structure of the pressure head drop limiting mechanism]

[0082] Next, the limiting mechanism R for limiting the pressure head drop in this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 As shown, the lower surfaces 67a and 67b of the press head side walls 62a and 62b are the first limiting portion R1 constituting the limiting mechanism R, and the upper surfaces 30a and 30b of the anvil holder 30 are the second limiting portion R2 constituting the limiting mechanism R. In addition, the contact surface 64d of the back plate 64 and the upper surface 14a of the mounting plate 14 (see Figure 9A 、 Figure 9B ) are also the first limiting part R1 and the second limiting part R2 that constitute the limiting mechanism R respectively.

[0083] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, at the bottom dead center, a portion of the lower surface 67a, 67b of the press head side walls 62a, 62b is respectively configured to abut a portion of the upper surface 30a, 30b of the anvil holder 30 on both sides of the X direction via the tab cutter 33. Figure 9B As shown, at the bottom dead center, the abutment surface 64 d of the back plate 64 of the ram 60 is configured to abut against the upper surface 14 a of the mounting plate 14 .

[0084] Thus, in this embodiment, the first limiting portion R1 abuts against the second limiting portion R2 when the pressing head 60 descends relative to the main body 10 by the limiting mechanism R, thereby limiting the reference height position of the pressing head 60 (for example, Figure 13 The reference height position PR of the crimping device holder 66 is moved to a position below the height limit position PL, which is a position where the height dimension H0 is specified upward relative to the main body 10 (refer to Figure 13 ).

[0085] In the present embodiment, the contact surfaces between the ram side walls 62a, 62b and the anvil holder 30 (the contact areas between the lower surfaces 67a, 67b of the ram side walls 62a, 62b and the upper surfaces 30a, 30b of the anvil holder 30), and the contact surfaces between the back panel 64 and the mounting plate 14 (the contact areas between the contact surface 64d formed on the back panel 64 and the upper surface 14a of the mounting plate 14) are respectively formed as horizontal planes or flat planes perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, and are configured to be in surface contact with each other at the bottom dead point. However, the present invention is not limited to such plane-to-plane contact, and contact between a convex portion and a plane, contact between a convex portion and a concave portion, contact between a plane and a plane, and / or a combination thereof may also be utilized at one or more locations.

[0086] In addition, it is not limited to this embodiment, and can also be constructed as follows: by abutting any structural part (first limiting part) of the pressure head 60 with any structural part (second limiting part) of the main body 10 at the lower dead point, the reference height position PR of the pressure head 60 is limited to drop below the specified height limit position PL.

[0087] [Adjusting the gap between the anvil and the crimper]

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 13 , the gap adjustment between the anvil and the crimper in this embodiment is described. Figure 13 (A) Figure 13 (B) shows the positional relationship between the ram 60 and the anvil holder 30 at the top dead center and the bottom dead center, respectively.

[0089] Here, the gap adjustment of a pair of anvils 4a and crimpers 5a is described. Since the gap adjustment of the other pair of anvils 4b and crimpers 5b is the same, repeated description is omitted. In addition, the dimensions of the anvils 4 and crimpers 5 are usually designed to have predetermined height dimensions L1 and L2. For example, Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 1A , the anvil 4a is provided with a height dimension L1 from its lower end, which abuts against the upper surface 14a of the mounting plate 14 (origin height) when installed, to the surface on which the wire barrel portion 93A rests. Furthermore, the crimper 5a is provided with a height dimension L2 from its upper end to the position of the cutting die that presses the wire barrel portion 93A.

[0090] On the other hand, the second limiting portion R2 of the anvil holder 30 has a reference height dimension H1 (the distance from the upper surface 14a of the mounting plate 14 (the origin height) to the upper surfaces 30a, 30b of the anvil holder 30). On the other hand, the crimper holder 66 has a reference height dimension H2 (the distance from the lower surfaces 67a, 67b of the ram side walls 62a, 62b to the reference height position PR of the crimper holder 66). The reference height position PR of the crimper holder 66 is the height position at which the upper end of the crimper 5 abuts, and the height in the vertical direction Z can be finely adjusted by the position adjustment mechanism 63.

[0091] Therefore, in this embodiment, if Figure 13 As shown in (B), when the ram 60 contacts the main body 10 (anvil holder 30) at the bottom dead center, the height from the upper surface 14a of the mounting plate 14 (origin height) to the reference height position PR of the crimping retainer 66 is the height dimension H0 (H0=H1+H2). On the other hand, the total height of the anvil 4a and the crimping connector 5a is the total height dimension L0 (L0=L1+L2). Therefore, the gap CL between the anvil 4a and the crimping connector 5a at the bottom dead center is expressed by the following formula (1).

[0092] CL=H0-L0=(H1+H2)-(L1+L2)

[0093] In the present embodiment, since the first limiting portion R1 of the limiting mechanism R abuts the second limiting portion R2 at the lower dead center, the user can pre-set the height dimension H0 from the upper surface 14a (origin height) of the mounting plate 14 to the reference height position PR of the pressing head 60. On the other hand, the total height dimension L0, which is the sum of the height dimensions L1 and L2 of the anvil 4a and the crimper 5a, is known. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the user can set the height dimension H0 through the position adjustment mechanism 63 so as to obtain the desired gap CL based on the above formula (1). On the other hand, regarding the position adjustment of the drive source 1, the user does not need to consider the gap CL between the anvil 4 and the crimper 5, but only needs to adjust the lower dead center position of the drive source 1 so that the pressing head 60 is properly abutted against the main body 10. That is, in the present embodiment, the user can complete the gap adjustment within the applicator 100.

[0094] Next, the operation and effects of the applicator 100 according to the present embodiment described above will be described.

[0095] The applicator 100 involved in this embodiment is an applicator 100 for crimping an electric wire to a terminal fitting 91, and comprises: a main body 10 for mounting an anvil 4; and a ram 60 for mounting a crimper 5, the ram 60 being capable of lifting and lowering in the up-down direction Z relative to the main body 10, the applicator 100 is constructed so that the crimper 5 approaches the anvil 4 on which the terminal fitting 91 is placed with a predetermined gap CL through the lifting and lowering action of the ram 60, thereby pressing the terminal fitting 91 tightly by the anvil 4 and the crimper 5 to crimp the terminal fitting 91 to the electric wire, the applicator 100 also comprises a limiting mechanism R, which limits the reference height position PR of the ram 60 to move to a position lower than the height limit position PL of the predetermined height dimension H0 upward relative to the main body 10 when the ram 60 approaches the main body 10, the predetermined height dimension H0 being set so that when the reference height position PR is at the height limit position PL, the crimper 5 approaches the anvil 4 across the gap CL.

[0096] According to the applicator 100 involved in this embodiment, the lower dead point height of the ram 60 is specified by the limiting mechanism R. That is, the reference height position PR of the ram 60 is limited in its descent from the height limit position PL that specifies the height dimension H0 upward relative to the main body 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ram 60 is located at the height limit position PL, the gap CL between the anvil 4 and the crimper 5 can be adjusted. On the other hand, the driving source 1 that causes the ram 60 to perform the lifting and lowering action only needs to set the position of the lower dead point so that the ram 60 is located at the height limit position PL at the lower dead point. In this way, in this embodiment, the gap CL between the anvil 4 and the crimper 5 can be adjusted independently of the position adjustment of the driving source 1 in the applicator 100, so the height position adjustment of the anvil 4 and the crimper 5 can be easily performed.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the limiting mechanism R includes a first limiting portion R1 provided on the ram 60 and a second limiting portion R2 provided on the main body 10. When the reference height position PR is at the height limit position PL, the first limiting portion R1 abuts against the second limiting portion R2, thereby limiting downward movement of the reference height position PR. According to this embodiment, the first limiting portion R1 of the ram 60 abuts against the second limiting portion R2 of the main body 10 at the bottom dead center, thereby limiting further descent of the ram 60.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, one or more first restricting portions R1 are provided on the lower surface (67a, 67b, 64d) of the pressure head 60, and one or more second restricting portions R2 are provided on the upper surface (30a, 30b, 14a) of the main body 10, corresponding to each of the one or more first restricting portions R1. According to this embodiment, one or more pairs of first restricting portions R1 and paired second restricting portions R2 can be provided.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first restricting portion R1 and the second restricting portion R2 have horizontal surfaces perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. According to this embodiment, the first restricting portion R1 and the second restricting portion R2 can be brought into surface contact at the bottom dead center of the ram 60 .

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, a position adjustment mechanism 63 is further provided, which can finely adjust the position of the reference height position PR in the vertical direction Z. According to this embodiment, by finely adjusting the position of the reference height position PR using the position adjustment mechanism 63, the gap CL between the anvil 4 and the crimper 5 at the bottom dead center can be finely adjusted.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, the ram 60 is connected to the driving source 1 that is driven in the up-down direction Z. According to the present embodiment as described above, the ram 60 can be moved up and down by the external driving source 1 .

Claims

1. An applicator for crimping an electric wire to a terminal fitting, characterized in that: The applicator comprises: a main body for mounting the anvil; and The pressure head is installed on the crimping device, and the pressure head can be raised and lowered relative to the main body. The applicator is configured to move the crimper close to the anvil on which the terminal fitting is placed with a predetermined gap by the lifting action of the pressure head, thereby pressing the terminal fitting tightly by the anvil and the crimper to crimp the terminal fitting to the wire. The applicator also has a limiting mechanism, which limits the reference height position of the pressure head to move to a position below the height limit position when the pressure head approaches the main body. The height limit position is a position with a specified height dimension upward relative to the main body. The specified height dimension is set so that when the reference height position is at the height limit position, the crimper approaches the anvil across the gap.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein The limiting mechanism includes a first limiting portion provided on the pressure head and a second limiting portion provided on the main body. When the reference height position is at the height limiting position, the first limiting portion abuts against the second limiting portion to limit downward movement of the reference height position.

3. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein: One or more first limiting portions are provided on the lower surface of the pressure head, and one or more second limiting portions are provided on the upper surface of the main body corresponding to each of the one or more first limiting portions.

4. The applicator according to claim 2, wherein: The first restriction portion and the second restriction portion have horizontal planes perpendicular to the vertical direction.

5. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein A position adjustment mechanism is further provided, which can finely adjust the vertical position of the reference height position.

6. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein The pressing head is connected to a driving source that is driven in the vertical direction.

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