Terminal carrier and connector assembling equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a terminal carrier and connector assembling equipment. The terminal carrier comprises a clamp used for clamping an electric connecting piece connected with a terminal; and the moving part is movably mounted on the clamp and can move between an initial position and an end position along the longitudinal direction relative to the clamp. A guide groove suitable for being matched with the terminal is formed in the moving part, and the guide groove is used for positioning and guiding the terminal to be inserted into the shell in the longitudinal direction. When the moving part is located at the initial position, the terminal is positioned in the guide groove; when the moving member is moved from the initial position to the end position, the terminal gradually extends out of the guide groove so as to allow the terminal to be gradually inserted into the housing. In the invention, the terminal carrier can ensure that the terminal is efficiently and accurately inserted into the jack of the shell, the rejection rate of terminal insertion is reduced, and the assembly quality of the connector is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal carrier and a connector assembly apparatus including the terminal carrier. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, when assembling connectors with flexible printed circuit boards (FPCs) or flexible flat cables (FFCs), the terminals crimped onto the FPCs or FFCs are typically inserted one by one into the sockets on the housing by hand. During terminal insertion, each terminal on the FPC or FFC needs to be aligned with its corresponding socket on the housing, and the insertion force and depth must be controlled by feel. Current manual terminal insertion methods suffer from low efficiency, poor accuracy, and a high scrap rate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a terminal carrier is provided. The terminal carrier includes: a clamp for holding an electrical connector connected to a terminal; and a movable member movably mounted on the clamp and movable relative to the clamp in a longitudinal direction between an initial position and a final position. A guide groove adapted to mate with the terminal is formed on the movable member, the guide groove for positioning and guiding the terminal to be inserted into a housing along the longitudinal direction. When the movable member is in the initial position, the terminal is positioned in the guide groove; when the movable member is moved from the initial position to the final position, the terminal gradually protrudes from the guide groove to allow the terminal to be gradually inserted into the housing.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable member is adapted to move rearward along the longitudinal direction from the initial position to the final position under the pushing of a housing carrier that loads the housing.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connector is a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible flat cable, and the terminal carrier further includes a pin adapted to abut against the stepped portion of the terminal along the longitudinal direction to ensure that the terminal does not move backward during the forward insertion into the housing.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the clamp includes an upper clamping block and a lower clamping block opposite each other in the height direction, the upper clamping block and the lower clamping block having two ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction and two sides opposite each other in the transverse direction; one side of the upper clamping block and the lower clamping block is rotatably connected such that the upper clamping block can rotate relative to the lower clamping block between a closed position clamping the electrical connector and an open position releasing the electrical connector.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, mounting holes are formed on one side of the upper clamping block and the lower clamping block, and the upper clamping block and the lower clamping block are rotatably connected together by a pivot inserted into the mounting hole.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable member includes an upper movable member and a lower movable member. The upper movable member is movably mounted on the upper clamping block and can rotate with the upper clamping block. The lower movable member is movably mounted on the lower clamping block. The guide groove includes an upper row of guide grooves formed on the upper movable member and a lower row of guide grooves formed on the lower movable member. The ejector pins include an upper row of ejector pins mounted on the upper clamping block and a lower row of ejector pins mounted on the lower clamping block. The upper and lower row guide grooves are used to position and guide the upper and lower rows of terminals, respectively. The upper and lower row ejector pins are used to abut against the stepped portions of the upper and lower rows of terminals, respectively, so that the upper and lower rows of terminals can be simultaneously inserted into the housing.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the upper clamping block is rotated to the closed position, the upper moving member is rotated to an assembly position engaging with the lower moving member, so as to ensure that the upper moving member and the lower moving member move synchronously along the longitudinal direction.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper moving member includes: an upper mounting plate movably mounted to the top of the upper clamping block; and an upper seat body connected to the front end of the upper mounting plate and forming the upper row of guide grooves. The lower moving member includes: a lower mounting plate movably mounted to the bottom of the lower clamping block; and a lower seat body connected to the front end of the lower mounting plate and forming the lower row of guide grooves.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an upper slide rail extending along the longitudinal direction is fixed to one of the upper mounting plate and the upper clamping block, and an upper slider is fixed to the other, the upper slider being slidably engaged with the upper slide rail; a lower slide rail extending along the longitudinal direction is fixed to one of the lower mounting plate and the lower clamping block, and a lower slider is fixed to the other, the lower slider being slidably engaged with the lower slide rail.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable member further includes: a partition plate extending along the lateral direction and fixed to the upper seat or the lower seat, the partition plate being inserted between the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals to ensure that the distance between the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals is equal to a predetermined distance.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal carrier further includes a return spring compressed along the longitudinal direction between the clamp and the movable member for resetting the movable member from the termination position to the initial position.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the return spring includes: an upper return spring compressed along the longitudinal direction between the upper clamping block and the upper seat; and a lower return spring compressed along the longitudinal direction between the lower clamping block and the lower seat, wherein an upper positioning hole is formed in the upper clamping block, one end of the upper return spring is received in the upper positioning hole, and the other end abuts against the rear side of the upper seat; wherein a lower positioning hole is formed in the lower clamping block, one end of the lower return spring is received in the lower positioning hole, and the other end abuts against the rear side of the lower seat.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal carrier further includes: a fixing base for fixing the lower clamping block, wherein vertical fixing parts are respectively connected to both sides of the lower clamping block, the fixing parts are fixed to the fixing base, and the lower moving member is suspended above the fixing base by the fixing parts.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the movable member is in the initial position, the terminal is positioned in the guide groove and its front end extends out of the guide groove to allow the front end of the terminal to be pre-inserted into the housing.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly apparatus is provided. The connector assembly apparatus includes: the aforementioned terminal carrier for loading terminals; a housing carrier for loading housings; and a drive device for driving the housing carrier to move longitudinally. A guide groove on the moving member is aligned with a socket on the housing in the longitudinal direction to guide the terminals to be inserted into the sockets of the housing along the longitudinal direction. As the moving member is pushed from the initial position to the final position by the housing carrier, the terminals gradually extend from the guide groove of the moving member and are gradually inserted into the housing.

[0019] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing carrier includes: a positioning seat having a positioning groove that mates with the housing and a slot communicating with the positioning groove on one of its side walls; a first pusher movably mounted in the slot and capable of moving laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a first driver mounted on one side of the positioning seat and connected to the first pusher for driving the first pusher to move laterally, the first pusher being used to push the housing laterally so that the housing is clamped and fixed between the first pusher and the other side wall of the positioning seat in the lateral direction.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positioning groove has a front opening and a rear opening opposite each other in the longitudinal direction, and a positioning step is formed inside the front opening of the positioning groove, the positioning step being adapted to abut against the periphery of the front end face of the housing along the longitudinal direction; the housing carrier further includes: a second pusher member movably mounted in the rear opening of the positioning groove and capable of moving along the longitudinal direction; and a second driver member mounted on the rear side of the positioning seat and connected to the second pusher member for driving the second pusher member to move along the longitudinal direction, the second pusher member being used to push the housing along the longitudinal direction so that the housing is clamped and fixed between the second pusher member and the positioning step of the positioning seat in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the positioning groove has a bottom wall and a top opening opposite each other in the height direction; the housing carrier further includes: a top plate, fixed to the top of the second pusher and forming a vertical through hole; and a column, fixedly inserted into the vertical through hole of the top plate and forming a blind hole with an open lower end; a sphere, installed in the blind hole and partially protruding from the opening of the blind hole; and an elastic member, compressed between the top wall of the blind hole and the sphere, for applying a vertical pressing force to the sphere, the sphere being used to press the housing downward in the height direction so that the housing is clamped and fixed between the sphere and the bottom wall of the positioning groove in the height direction.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first pin hole extending laterally is formed on the positioning seat, and a second pin hole is formed on the second pusher; the housing carrier further includes: a locking pin movably mounted in the first pin hole; and a third actuator mounted on one side of the positioning seat and connected to the locking pin for driving the locking pin to move laterally. When the second pusher is moved to a predetermined position for longitudinally clamping and fixing the housing, the first pin hole and the second pin hole are aligned laterally and the locking pin is inserted into the second pin hole to lock the second pusher in the predetermined position.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing carrier further includes: a base plate on which the positioning seat is fixed; a base on which the base plate is movably mounted and has a rear sidewall opposite to the rear side surface of the base plate; and a force sensor clamped between the rear side surface of the base plate and the rear sidewall of the base for detecting the insertion force of the terminal being inserted into the housing, the driving device being connected to the base for driving the housing carrier to move along the longitudinal direction, and the driving device stopping driving the housing carrier when the insertion force detected by the force sensor is greater than a predetermined insertion force.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly equipment further includes: a detection device for detecting whether the terminal has been inserted into a predetermined installation position in the housing.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the detection device includes: a visual detection device, configured to capture an image of the secondary locking slot of the housing from a lateral side of the housing and determine whether the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position based on the captured image of the secondary locking slot. When the terminal is not visible in the captured image of the secondary locking slot, the visual detection device determines that the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position; when the terminal is visible in the captured image of the secondary locking slot, the visual detection device determines that the terminal has not been inserted into the predetermined installation position.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the detection device further includes a probe detection device. The probe detection device includes: a probe adapted to be inserted into a predetermined depth position in the housing; and a detection circuit electrically connected to the probe and the terminal. When the probe is inserted into the predetermined depth position in the housing and the probe is in electrical contact with the tip of the terminal, the detection circuit is activated, and the probe detection device determines that the terminal has been inserted into the predetermined installation position; when the probe is inserted into the predetermined depth position in the housing and the probe is not in contact with the tip of the terminal, the detection circuit is not activated, and the probe detection device determines that the terminal has not been inserted into the predetermined installation position.

[0027] In the foregoing exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the terminal carrier can ensure that the terminals are efficiently and accurately inserted into the sockets of the housing, reducing the scrap rate of terminal insertion and improving the assembly quality of the connector.

[0028] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a terminal carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the movable member is in an initial position relative to the clamp;

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective view of a terminal carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a movable member is moved rearward relative to a clamp to a termination position.

[0031] Figure 3 A perspective view of a terminal carrier and housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the movable element is in an initial position;

[0032] Figure 4 A perspective view of a terminal carrier and housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the movable member is in an initial position and the front end of the terminal is pre-inserted into the housing;

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective view of a terminal carrier and housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein a movable member is pushed to a termination position by the housing carrier, such that a terminal is inserted into the housing;

[0034] Figure 6 An exploded schematic diagram of a terminal carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top, shows the moving part in its initial position;

[0035] Figure 7 Another exploded view of a terminal carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above, shows the moving part in its initial position;

[0036] Figure 8 This diagram shows an exploded view of a terminal carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom, with the moving part in its initial position.

[0037] Figure 9 A perspective view of a housing carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the housing has been placed in the positioning groove of the positioning seat;

[0038] Figure 10 A perspective view of a housing carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the housing has not yet been placed into the positioning slot of the positioning seat;

[0039] Figure 11 This shows a longitudinal sectional view of a housing carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the housing has been placed into the positioning slot of the positioning seat;

[0040] Figure 12 A side view of a housing and terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the terminals have not yet been inserted into the housing;

[0041] Figure 13 A side view of a housing and terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the terminals have been inserted into a predetermined mounting position in the housing;

[0042] Figure 14 A side view of a housing and terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the terminals are not inserted into a predetermined mounting position in the housing;

[0043] Figure 15 A planar cross-sectional view of a connector and probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the probe has not yet been inserted into the housing;

[0044] Figure 16 This shows a planar cross-sectional view of a connector and probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the probe has been inserted into the housing to a predetermined depth and is in electrical contact with the front end of a terminal in the housing;

[0045] Figure 17 This shows a planar cross-sectional view of a connector and probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the probe has been inserted into the housing to a predetermined depth and does not contact the front end of a terminal in the housing. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0047] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0048] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a terminal carrier is provided. The terminal carrier includes: a clamp for holding an electrical connector connected to a terminal; and a movable member movably mounted on the clamp, movable relative to the clamp in a longitudinal direction between an initial position and a final position. A guide groove adapted to mate with the terminal is formed on the movable member, the guide groove for positioning and guiding the terminal to be inserted into a housing along the longitudinal direction. When the movable member is in the initial position, the terminal is positioned in the guide groove; when the movable member is moved from the initial position to the final position, the terminal gradually protrudes from the guide groove to allow the terminal to be gradually inserted into the housing.

[0049] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly apparatus is provided. The connector assembly apparatus includes: the aforementioned terminal carrier for loading terminals; a housing carrier for loading housings; and a driving device for driving the housing carrier to move longitudinally. A guide groove on the moving member is aligned with a socket on the housing in the longitudinal direction to guide the terminals to be inserted into the sockets of the housing along the longitudinal direction. As the moving member is pushed from the initial position to the final position by the housing carrier, the terminals gradually extend from the guide groove of the moving member and are gradually inserted into the housing.

[0050] Figure 1 A perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the movable member 12 is in an initial position relative to the clamp 11; Figure 2 A perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the movable member 12 is moved rearward relative to the clamp 11 to a termination position; Figure 3 A perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 and a housing 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the movable member 12 is in an initial position; Figure 4 A perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 and a housing 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the movable member 12 is in an initial position and the front end 10f of the terminal 10 is pre-inserted into the housing 20; Figure 5 A perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 and a housing 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the movable member 12 is pushed to a termination position by the housing carrier 2, such that the terminal 10 is inserted into the housing 20. Figure 6 An exploded view of a terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top, shows the moving member 12 in its initial position; Figure 7 Another exploded view of the terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top, shows the moving member 12 in its initial position; Figure 8 An exploded view of a terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown from the bottom, with the movable member 12 in the initial position.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a terminal carrier 1 is disclosed. The terminal carrier 1 includes a clamp 11 and a movable member 12. The clamp 11 is used to hold an electrical connector 101 connected to a terminal 10. The electrical connector 101 can be a wire harness or circuit board for transmitting electrical signals. The movable member 12 is movably mounted on the clamp 11 and is capable of being in an initial position relative to the clamp 11 along the longitudinal direction Y. Figure 1 The indicated position) and the termination position ( Figure 2 The movable member 12 moves between the indicated positions. A guide groove 121 adapted to mate with the terminal 10 is formed on the movable member 12. The guide groove 121 is used to position and guide the terminal 10 as it is inserted into the housing 20 along the longitudinal direction Y. When the movable member 12 is in the initial position, the terminal 10 is positioned in the guide groove 121. As the movable member 12 is moved from the initial position to the final position, the terminal 10 gradually extends out of the guide groove 121 to allow the terminal 10 to be gradually inserted into the housing 20.

[0052] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable element 12 is adapted to be in the housing carrier 2 (see also) on which the housing 20 is loaded. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The jacking force moves backward along the longitudinal direction Y from the initial position to the final position.

[0053] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connector 101 is a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible flat cable. The terminal carrier 1 also includes a pin 13, which is adapted to abut against the stepped portion 10c of the terminal 10 along the longitudinal direction Y to ensure that the terminal 10 does not move backward during the forward insertion into the housing 20. Note that when the electrical connector 101 is a rigid cable or circuit board, the pin 13 may not be required.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the clamp 11 includes an upper clamping block 11a and a lower clamping block 11b opposite each other in the height direction Z. The upper clamping block 11a and the lower clamping block 11b have two ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y and two sides opposite each other in the transverse direction X. One side of the upper clamping block 11a and the lower clamping block 11b is rotatably connected, such that the upper clamping block 11a can rotate relative to the lower clamping block 11b between a closed position holding the electrical connector 101 and an open position releasing the electrical connector 101.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 8As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, mounting holes 110 are formed on one side of the upper clamping block 11a and the lower clamping block 11b, and the upper clamping block 11a and the lower clamping block 11b are rotatably connected together by a pivot 11d inserted into the mounting hole 110.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the movable member 12 includes an upper movable member 12a and a lower movable member 12b. The upper movable member 12a is movably mounted on the upper clamping block 11a and can rotate with the upper clamping block 11a. The lower movable member 12b is movably mounted on the lower clamping block 11b. The guide groove 121 includes an upper row of guide grooves 121a formed on the upper movable member 12a and a lower row of guide grooves 121b formed on the lower movable member 12b. The ejector pin 13 includes an upper row of ejector pins 13a mounted on the upper clamping block 11a and a lower row of ejector pins 13b mounted on the lower clamping block 11b. The upper and lower guide grooves 121a and 121b are used to position and guide the upper and lower terminals 10a and 10b respectively. The upper and lower ejector pins 13a and 13b are used to abut against the stepped portion 10c of the upper and lower terminals 10a and 10b respectively, so that the upper and lower terminals 10a and 10b can be inserted into the housing 20 at the same time.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the upper clamping block 11a is rotated to the closed position, the upper moving member 12a is rotated to the assembly position where it engages with the lower moving member 12b, so as to ensure that the upper moving member 12a and the lower moving member 12b move synchronously along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the upper moving member 12a includes an upper mounting plate 122a and an upper seat 120a. The upper mounting plate 122a is movably mounted on the top of the upper clamping block 11a. The upper seat 120a is connected to the front end of the upper mounting plate 122a and forms an upper row of guide grooves 121a. The lower moving member 12b includes a lower mounting plate 122b and a lower seat 120b. The lower mounting plate 122b is movably mounted on the bottom of the lower clamping block 11b. The lower seat 120b is connected to the front end 10f of the lower mounting plate 122b and forms a lower row of guide grooves 121b.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, an upper slide rail 123a extending longitudinally along the Y direction is fixed to one of the upper mounting plate 122a and the upper clamping block 11a, and an upper slider 113a is fixed to the other, with the upper slider 113a slidably engaged with the upper slide rail 123a. Similarly, a lower slide rail 123b extending longitudinally along the Y direction is fixed to one of the lower mounting plate 122b and the lower clamping block 11b, and a lower slider 113b is fixed to the other, with the lower slider 113b slidably engaged with the lower slide rail 123b.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the movable member 12 further includes a partition plate 124, which extends laterally X and is fixed to the upper seat 120a or the lower seat 120b. The partition plate 124 is used to insert between the upper row of terminals 10a and the lower row of terminals 10b to ensure that the distance between the upper row of terminals 10a and the lower row of terminals 10b is equal to a predetermined distance.

[0061] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal carrier 1 further includes a return spring 14, which is compressed along the longitudinal direction Y between the clamp 11 and the moving member 12 for resetting the moving member 12 from the termination position to the initial position.

[0062] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the return spring 14 includes an upper return spring 14a and a lower return spring 14b. The upper return spring 14a is compressed along the longitudinal direction Y between the upper clamping block 11a and the upper seat 120a. The lower return spring 14b is compressed along the longitudinal direction Y between the lower clamping block 11b and the lower seat 120b. An upper positioning hole 111a is formed in the upper clamping block 11a, one end of the upper return spring 14a is received in the upper positioning hole 111a, and the other end abuts against the rear side of the upper seat 120a. A lower positioning hole 111b is formed in the lower clamping block 11b, one end of the lower return spring 14b is received in the lower positioning hole 111b, and the other end abuts against the rear side of the lower seat 120b.

[0063] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal carrier 1 further includes a fixing base (not shown) for fixing the lower clamping block 11b and is adapted to be fixed to a frame (not shown). Vertical fixing portions 11c are connected to both sides of the lower clamping block 11b, and these fixing portions 11c are fixed to the fixing base. The lower moving member 12b is suspended above the fixing base by the fixing portions 11c, thus not affecting the movement of the lower moving member 12b.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the movable member 12 is in the initial position, the terminal 10 is positioned in the guide groove 121 and its front end 10f extends out of the guide groove 121 to allow the front end 10f of the terminal 10 to be pre-inserted into the housing 20.

[0065] Figure 9 A perspective view of a housing carrier 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the housing 20 has been placed in the positioning groove 210 of the positioning seat 21; Figure 10A perspective view of a housing carrier 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the housing 20 has not yet been placed into the positioning groove 210 of the positioning seat 21; Figure 11 This shows a longitudinal sectional view of a housing carrier 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the housing 20 has been placed in the positioning groove 210 of the positioning seat 21.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly apparatus is also disclosed. The connector assembly apparatus includes: a terminal carrier 1, a housing carrier 2, and a drive device (not shown). The terminal carrier 1 is used to load terminals 10. The housing carrier 2 is used to load a housing 20. The drive device (not shown) is used to drive the housing carrier 2 to move longitudinally Y. The drive device can be a linear electric cylinder. A guide groove 121 on the moving member 12 is aligned longitudinally Y with a socket 201 on the housing 20 to guide the terminals 10 to be inserted into the sockets 201 of the housing 20 along the longitudinal direction Y. When the moving member 12 is pushed from an initial position to a final position by the housing carrier 2, the terminals 10 gradually extend from the guide groove 121 of the moving member 12 and are gradually inserted into the housing 20.

[0067] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the housing carrier 2 includes a positioning base 21, a first pusher 24, and a first actuator 240. A positioning groove 210 that mates with the housing 20 is formed in the positioning base 21, and a slot 214 communicating with the positioning groove 210 is formed on one side wall of the positioning base 21. The first pusher 24 is movably mounted in the slot 214 and is capable of moving along a transverse direction X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y. The first actuator 240 is mounted on one side of the positioning base 21 and connected to the first pusher 24, for driving the first pusher 24 to move along the transverse direction X. The first actuator 240 can be a cylinder. The first pusher 24 is used to push the housing 20 along the transverse direction X, so that the housing 20 is clamped and fixed between the first pusher 24 and the other side wall of the positioning base 21 in the transverse direction X.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 11As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning groove 210 has a front opening and a rear opening opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y. A positioning step 21a is formed inside the front opening of the positioning groove 210, and the positioning step 21a is adapted to abut against the periphery of the front end face of the housing 20 in the longitudinal direction Y. The housing carrier 2 also includes a second pusher 25 and a second driver 250. The second pusher 25 is movably mounted in the rear opening of the positioning groove 210 and is movable in the longitudinal direction Y. The second driver 250 is mounted on the rear side of the positioning seat 21 and connected to the second pusher 25 for driving the second pusher 25 to move in the longitudinal direction Y. The second driver 250 can be a cylinder. The second pusher 25 is used to push the housing 20 in the longitudinal direction Y so that the housing 20 is clamped and fixed between the second pusher 25 and the positioning step 21a of the positioning seat 21 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0069] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning groove 210 has a bottom wall and a top opening opposite each other in the height direction Z. The housing carrier 2 also includes a top plate 27, a column 271, a ball 272, and an elastic member 273. The top plate 27 is fixed to the top of the second pusher 25 and has a vertical through hole. The column 271 is fixedly inserted into the vertical through hole of the top plate 27 and has a blind hole 270 with its lower end open. The ball 272 is installed in the blind hole 270 and partially protrudes from the opening of the blind hole 270. The elastic member 273 is compressed between the top wall of the blind hole 270 and the ball 272 to apply a vertical pressing force to the ball 272. To prevent the ball 272 from falling out of the opening of the blind hole 270, the opening size of the blind hole 270 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the ball 272. The ball 272 is used to press the housing 20 downward along the height direction Z so that the housing 20 is clamped and fixed between the ball 272 and the bottom wall of the positioning groove 210 in the height direction Z.

[0070] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a first pin hole 216 extending laterally X is formed on the positioning base 21, and a second pin hole (not shown) is formed on the second pusher 25. The housing carrier 2 also includes a locking pin 26 and a third actuator 260. The locking pin 26 is movably mounted in the first pin hole 216. The third actuator 260 is mounted on one side of the positioning base 21 and connected to the locking pin 26 for driving the locking pin 26 to move laterally X. The third actuator 260 can be a cylinder. When the second pusher 25 is moved to a predetermined position to clamp and fix the housing 20 in the longitudinal direction Y, the first pin hole 216 and the second pin hole are aligned in the laterally X direction, and the locking pin 26 is inserted into the second pin hole to lock the second pusher 25 in the predetermined position.

[0071] like Figures 1 to 11As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the housing carrier 2 further includes a base plate 22, a base 23, and a force sensor 28. A positioning seat 21 is fixed to the base plate 22. The base plate 22 is movably mounted on the base 23 and has a rear sidewall 23b opposite to the rear side surface 22b of the base plate 22. The force sensor 28 is clamped between the rear side surface 22b of the base plate 22 and the rear sidewall 23b of the base 23 for detecting the insertion force of the terminal 10 into the housing 20. The force sensor 28 may include a piezoresistor. The aforementioned driving device is connected to the base 23 for driving the housing carrier 2 to move longitudinally Y, and the driving device stops driving the housing carrier 2 when the insertion force detected by the force sensor 28 is greater than a predetermined insertion force.

[0072] Figure 12 A side view of a housing 20 and a terminal 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the terminal 10 has not yet been inserted into the housing 20; Figure 13 A side view of a housing 20 and a terminal 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the terminal 10 has been inserted into a predetermined mounting position in the housing 20; Figure 14 A side view of a housing 20 and a terminal 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the terminal 10 is not inserted into a predetermined mounting position in the housing 20; Figure 15 Showing a planar cross-sectional view of a connector and probe 10' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein probe 10' has not yet been inserted into housing 20; Figure 16 A planar cross-sectional view of a connector and probe 10' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the probe 10' has been inserted into the housing 20 to a predetermined depth and is in electrical contact with the front end 10f of the terminal 10 in the housing 20; Figure 17 A planar cross-sectional view of a connector and probe 10' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the probe 10' has been inserted into the housing 20 to a predetermined depth and does not contact the front end 10f of the terminal 10 in the housing 20.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 17 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly equipment further includes a detection device (not shown) for detecting whether the terminal 10 has been inserted into a predetermined mounting position in the housing 20.

[0074] like Figures 12 to 14 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the detection device includes a visual inspection device (not shown), which may include a camera for capturing images of the secondary locking slot 202 of the housing 20 from a lateral X-side of the housing 20 and determining whether the terminal 10 has been inserted into the predetermined installation position based on the captured images of the secondary locking slot 202. Figure 13As shown, when terminal 10 is not visible in the captured image of the secondary locking slot 202, the visual inspection device determines that terminal 10 has been inserted into the predetermined installation position. Figure 14 As shown, when terminal 10 is seen in the captured image of the secondary locking slot 202, the visual inspection device determines that terminal 10 has not been inserted into the predetermined installation position. For example, in Figure 14 In the secondary locking slot 202, the stepped portion 10c of the terminal 10 can be seen. Therefore, the visual inspection device will determine that the terminal 10 has not been inserted into the predetermined installation position.

[0075] like Figures 15 to 17 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the detection device further includes a probe detection device. This probe detection device includes a probe 10' and a detection circuit (not shown). The probe 10' is adapted to be inserted into a predetermined depth position within the housing 20. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the probe 10' and terminal 10.

[0076] like Figure 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the probe 10' is inserted into the housing 20 at a predetermined depth and the probe 10' makes electrical contact with the front end 10f of the terminal 10, the detection circuit is turned on, and the probe detection device determines that the terminal 10 has been inserted into the predetermined installation position.

[0077] like Figure 17 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the probe 10' is inserted into the housing 20 at a predetermined depth and the probe 10' does not contact the front end 10f of the terminal 10, the detection circuit is not connected, and the probe detection device determines that the terminal 10 has not been inserted into the predetermined installation position.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0079] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0080] While some embodiments of the general concept of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0081] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A terminal carrier, characterized in that, include: A clamp (11) is used to hold an electrical connector (101) connected to a terminal (10); and The movable element (12), movably mounted on the clamp (11), is capable of moving relative to the clamp (11) along the longitudinal direction (Y) between an initial position and a final position. A guide groove (121) adapted to mate with the terminal (10) is formed on the movable member (12). The guide groove (121) is used to position and guide the terminal (10) to be inserted into the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y). When the moving part (12) is in the initial position, the terminal (10) is positioned in the guide groove (121). As the moving part (12) is moved from the initial position to the final position, the terminal (10) gradually extends out of the guide groove (121) to allow the terminal (10) to be gradually inserted into the housing (20).

2. The terminal carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The movable element (12) is adapted to move rearward along the longitudinal direction (Y) from the initial position to the final position under the pushing of the housing carrier (2) that loads the housing (20).

3. The terminal carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical connector (101) is a flexible printed circuit board or a flexible flat cable. The terminal carrier (1) also includes a pin (13) which is adapted to abut against the stepped portion (10c) of the terminal (10) along the longitudinal direction (Y) to ensure that the terminal (10) does not move backward during the process of being inserted forward into the housing (20).

4. The terminal carrier according to claim 3, characterized in that: The clamp (11) includes an upper clamping block (11a) and a lower clamping block (11b) opposite each other in the height direction (Z), the upper clamping block (11a) and the lower clamping block (11b) having two ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (Y) and two sides opposite each other in the transverse direction (X); The upper clamping block (11a) and the lower clamping block (11b) are rotatably connected on one side, so that the upper clamping block (11a) can rotate relative to the lower clamping block (11b) between a closed position clamping the electrical connector (101) and an open position releasing the electrical connector (101).

5. The terminal carrier according to claim 4, characterized in that: Mounting holes (110) are formed on one side of the upper clamping block (11a) and the lower clamping block (11b), and the upper clamping block (11a) and the lower clamping block (11b) are rotatably connected together by a pivot (11d) inserted into the mounting hole (110).

6. The terminal carrier according to claim 4, characterized in that: The movable member (12) includes an upper movable member (12a) and a lower movable member (12b). The upper movable member (12a) is movably mounted on the upper clamping block (11a) and can rotate together with the upper clamping block (11a). The lower movable member (12b) is movably mounted on the lower clamping block (11b). The guide groove (121) includes an upper row of guide grooves (121a) formed on the upper moving member (12a) and a lower row of guide grooves (121b) formed on the lower moving member (12b), and the ejector pin (13) includes an upper row of ejector pins (13a) mounted on the upper clamping block (11a) and a lower row of ejector pins (13b) mounted on the lower clamping block (11b); The upper and lower guide grooves (121a, 121b) are used to position and guide the upper and lower terminals (10a, 10b) respectively, and the upper and lower ejector pins (13a, 13b) are used to abut against the stepped portion (10c) of the upper and lower terminals (10a, 10b) respectively, so that the upper and lower terminals (10a, 10b) can be simultaneously inserted into the housing (20).

7. The terminal carrier according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the upper clamping block (11a) is rotated to the closed position, the upper moving member (12a) is rotated to the assembly position where it engages with the lower moving member (12b) to ensure that the upper moving member (12a) and the lower moving member (12b) move synchronously along the longitudinal direction (Y).

8. The terminal carrier according to claim 7, characterized in that: The upper moving member (12a) includes: The upper mounting plate (122a) is movably mounted on top of the upper clamping block (11a); and The upper seat (120a) is connected to the front end of the upper mounting plate (122a) and forms the upper row of guide grooves (121a). The lower moving member (12b) includes: The lower mounting plate (122b) is movably mounted to the bottom of the lower clamping block (11b); and The lower base (120b) is connected to the front end of the lower mounting plate (122b) and forms the lower guide groove (121b).

9. The terminal carrier according to claim 8, characterized in that: An upper slide rail (123a) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) is fixed on one of the upper mounting plate (122a) and the upper clamping block (11a), and an upper slider (113a) is fixed on the other, the upper slider (113a) being slidably engaged with the upper slide rail (123a); A lower slide rail (123b) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) is fixed to one of the lower mounting plate (122b) and the lower clamping block (11b), and a lower slider (113b) is fixed to the other, the lower slider (113b) being slidably engaged with the lower slide rail (123b).

10. The terminal carrier according to claim 8, characterized in that: The movable component (12) also includes: A partition plate (124) extends along the transverse direction (X) and is fixed to the upper seat (120a) or the lower seat (120b). The separator (124) is inserted between the upper row of terminals (10a) and the lower row of terminals (10b) to ensure that the distance between the upper row of terminals (10a) and the lower row of terminals (10b) is equal to a predetermined distance.

11. The terminal carrier according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: A return spring (14) is compressed along the longitudinal direction (Y) between the clamp (11) and the moving member (12) for resetting the moving member (12) from the termination position to the initial position.

12. The terminal carrier according to claim 11, characterized in that: The return spring (14) includes: The upper return spring (14a) is compressed along the longitudinal direction (Y) between the upper clamping block (11a) and the upper seat (120a); and The lower return spring (14b) is compressed along the longitudinal direction (Y) between the lower clamping block (11b) and the lower seat (120b). An upper positioning hole (111a) is formed in the upper clamping block (11a), one end of the upper return spring (14a) is accommodated in the upper positioning hole (111a), and the other end abuts against the rear side of the upper seat (120a). A lower positioning hole (111b) is formed in the lower clamping block (11b), one end of the lower return spring (14b) is accommodated in the lower positioning hole (111b), and the other end abuts against the rear side of the lower seat (120b).

13. The terminal carrier according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A fixing seat is used to fix the lower clamping block (11b). Vertical fixing parts (11c) are connected to both sides of the lower clamping block (11b). The fixing parts (11c) are fixed to the fixing base, and the lower moving part (12b) is suspended above the fixing base by the fixing parts (11c).

14. The terminal carrier according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that: When the movable part (12) is in the initial position, the terminal (10) is positioned in the guide groove (121) and its front end (10f) extends out of the guide groove (121) to allow the front end (10f) of the terminal (10) to be pre-inserted into the housing (20).

15. A connector assembly device, characterized in that, include: The terminal carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1-14 is used for loading terminals (10); Shell carrier (2), used to load shell (20); and A drive unit is used to drive the housing carrier (2) to move longitudinally (Y). The guide groove (121) on the movable part (12) is aligned with the insertion hole (201) on the housing (20) in the longitudinal direction (Y) to guide the terminal (10) to be inserted into the insertion hole (201) of the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y). When the movable part (12) is pushed from the initial position to the termination position by the housing carrier (2), the terminal (10) gradually extends out from the guide groove (121) of the movable part (12) and is gradually inserted into the housing (20).

16. The connector assembly equipment according to claim 15, characterized in that: The shell carrier (2) includes: The positioning seat (21) has a positioning groove (210) that mates with the housing (20) and a slot (214) communicating with the positioning groove (210) is formed on one of its side walls; and A first pusher (24) is movably mounted in the slot (214) and is movable along a transverse (X) direction perpendicular to the longitudinal (Y) direction; and A first driver (240) is mounted on one side of the positioning seat (21) and connected to the first pusher (24) for driving the first pusher (24) to move along the transverse (X) direction. The first pusher (24) is used to push the housing (20) along the transverse (X) so that the housing (20) is clamped and fixed in the transverse (X) between the first pusher (24) and the other side wall of the positioning seat (21).

17. The connector assembly equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that: The positioning groove (210) has a front opening and a rear opening opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (Y). A positioning step (21a) is formed inside the front opening of the positioning groove (210). The positioning step (21a) is adapted to abut against the periphery of the front end face of the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y). The shell carrier (2) also includes: The second pusher (25) is movably mounted in the rear opening of the positioning groove (210) and is movable along the longitudinal direction (Y); and A second actuator (250) is mounted on the rear side of the positioning seat (21) and connected to the second pusher (25) for driving the second pusher (25) to move along the longitudinal direction (Y). The second pusher (25) is used to push the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y) so that the housing (20) is clamped and fixed in the longitudinal direction (Y) between the second pusher (25) and the positioning step (21a) of the positioning seat (21).

18. The connector assembly equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that: The positioning groove (210) has a bottom wall and a top opening opposite each other in the height direction (Z); The shell carrier (2) also includes: The top plate (27) is fixed to the top of the second pusher (25) and has a vertical through hole; The column (271) is fixedly inserted into the vertical through hole of the top plate (27) and forms a blind hole (270) with the lower end open; A sphere (272) is installed in the blind hole (270) and partially protrudes from the opening of the blind hole (270); and An elastic element (273) is compressed between the top wall of the blind hole (270) and the sphere (272) to apply a vertical pressing force to the sphere (272), which is used to press the housing (20) downward along the height direction (Z) so that the housing (20) is clamped and fixed between the sphere (272) and the bottom wall of the positioning groove (210) in the height direction (Z).

19. The connector assembly equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that: A first pin hole (216) extending along the transverse direction (X) is formed on the positioning seat (21), and a second pin hole is formed on the second push member (25); The shell carrier (2) also includes: A locking pin (26) is movably mounted in the first pin hole (216); and A third actuator (260), mounted on one side of the positioning seat (21) and connected to the locking pin (26), is used to drive the locking pin (26) to move along the transverse (X) direction. When the second pusher (25) is moved to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction (Y) to clamp and fix the housing (20), the first pin hole (216) and the second pin hole are aligned in the transverse direction (X) and the locking pin (26) is inserted into the second pin hole to lock the second pusher (25) in the predetermined position.

20. The connector assembly equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that: The shell carrier (2) also includes: The substrate (22) is fixed to the positioning seat (21); A base (23), on which the substrate (22) is movably mounted and has a rear sidewall (23b) opposite to the rear side surface (22b) of the substrate (22); and A force sensor (28), clamped between the rear side surface (22b) of the substrate (22) and the rear side wall (23b) of the base (23), is used to detect the insertion force of the terminal (10) when it is inserted into the housing (20). The drive device is connected to the base (23) and is used to drive the housing carrier (2) to move along the longitudinal direction (Y). The drive device stops driving the housing carrier (2) when the insertion force detected by the force sensor (28) is greater than a predetermined insertion force.

21. The connector assembly equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that, Also includes: A detection device is used to detect whether the terminal (10) has been inserted into the predetermined installation position in the housing (20).

22. The connector assembly equipment according to claim 21, characterized in that: The detection device includes: A visual inspection device is used to capture an image of the secondary locking slot (202) of the housing (20) from a lateral (X) side of the housing (20) and to determine whether the terminal (10) has been inserted into the predetermined installation position based on the captured image of the secondary locking slot (202). When the terminal (10) is not visible in the captured image of the secondary locking slot (202), the visual inspection device determines that the terminal (10) has been inserted into the predetermined installation position. When the terminal (10) is seen in the captured image of the secondary locking slot (202), the visual inspection device determines that the terminal (10) has not been inserted into the predetermined installation position.

23. The connector assembly equipment according to claim 22, characterized in that: The detection device further includes: The probe detection device includes: A probe (10') adapted to be inserted into the housing (20) at a predetermined depth; and The detection circuit is electrically connected to the probe (10') and the terminal (10). When the probe (10') is inserted into the housing (20) to a predetermined depth and the probe (10') makes electrical contact with the front end (10f) of the terminal (10), the detection circuit is turned on, and the probe detection device determines that the terminal (10) has been inserted into the predetermined installation position. When the probe (10') is inserted into the housing (20) at a predetermined depth and the probe (10') does not contact the front end (10f) of the terminal (10), the detection circuit is not connected, and the probe detection device determines that the terminal (10) is not inserted into the predetermined installation position.

Images