Connector assembling device and connector assembling method

Abstract

The connector assembling device is provided with a lower clamp unit provided with a wiring substrate and an upper clamp unit provided with a connector. The lower clamp unit comprises a supporting body which can movably support the wiring substrate on the horizontal plane and positioning pins which are embedded with a plurality of substrate positioning holes of the wiring substrate. The positioning pin is provided with a first pin part which can be positioned on the horizontal plane of the wiring substrate, and a second pin part which allows the wiring substrate to move on the horizontal plane in a state that the positioning pin is positioned in the substrate positioning hole. When the wiring substrate is supported by the supporting body, the positioning pin can move up and down between a first position where the first pin part is located in the substrate positioning hole and a second position where the second pin part is located in the substrate positioning hole.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a connector assembling apparatus and a connector assembling method, and more particularly to a connector assembling apparatus and a connector assembling method for assembling a connector having a press-fit pin on a wiring substrate. BACKGROUND

[0002] Some circuit substrates have a connector mounted thereon that can be electrically connected to an external device. Among the connectors are press-fit connectors that are joined by press-fitting without soldering to a wiring substrate. The press-fit connector has a terminal called a press-fit pin that is inserted into a through-hole provided on the wiring substrate, and the electrical connection to the wiring of the wiring substrate is ensured by the restoring force of the elastic deformation thereof.

[0003] An assembling apparatus is known that assembles a connector having a press-fit pin by press-fitting the connector to a wiring substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the connector press-fitting apparatus described in Patent Document 1, an insertion block adsorbs the connector, a transfer mechanism moves the insertion block horizontally, and a press-fitting head is lowered after adsorbing the connector from the insertion block by the action of a press-fitting mechanism, thereby press-fitting the connector to a printed substrate at a press-fitting position. The technology described in Patent Document 1 is a technology that prevents the gap in the up-and-down direction of the connector at the time of press-fitting to the printed substrate from deviating from an appropriate range due to the deviation of the bottom wall thickness of the housing of the connector or the deviation of the lowering amount of the press-fitting head. Therefore, the insertion block is configured so that the reference upper surface thereof is in contact with the bottom surface of the housing of the connector, and the pin of the connector is inserted into the insertion hole provided on the reference upper surface. Further, a measurement head mounted on the press-fitting head is in contact with the reference upper surface of the insertion block to measure the bottom wall thickness of the housing, and a linear scale measures the lifting amount of the press-fitting block. By correcting the lifting amount measured by the linear scale using the correction amount (deviation of the bottom wall thickness of the housing) obtained by the measurement head, the connector is press-fitted to the printed substrate with an appropriate gap in the up-and-down direction.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-220849 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] As described above, the connector pressing device described in Patent Document 1 is a device that presses a connector into a printed circuit board with a gap within a suitable range in the vertical direction (Z direction). However, this device does not take into account the offset of the connector's position relative to the mounting surface (XY plane) of the printed circuit board. Since the connector housing is generally a resin molded product, there is a deviation in the arrangement of the pressing pin relative to the housing (arrangement in the XY plane). In addition, there is also a deviation in the position of the through hole on the printed circuit board (position in the XY plane). Therefore, even if the printed circuit board is moved to a predetermined pressing position, the connector's pressing pin will be offset in the XY plane (mounting surface of the printed circuit board) relative to the through hole of the printed circuit board. If the connector is pressed into the printed circuit board under such a positional offset, the pressing pin or the printed circuit board may be damaged.

[0009] The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a connector assembly apparatus and a connector assembly method, which can assemble the connector without damaging the crimping pin and the wiring substrate even if there is a positional offset of the connector relative to the mounting surface (XY plane) of the substrate when assembling the connector with the crimping pin onto the wiring substrate.

[0010] Technical means to solve the problem

[0011] This application contains several means to solve the above-mentioned problems. One example of the invention is a connector assembly apparatus that assembles the connector onto the wiring substrate by pressing and engaging the plurality of press-fit pins of a connector having a plurality of press-fit pins and a housing holding the plurality of press-fit pins into the plurality of through holes in a wiring substrate having a plurality of through holes and a plurality of substrate positioning holes. The connector assembly apparatus includes: a lower clamping unit for holding the wiring substrate; and an upper clamping unit for holding the connector, capable of pressing the lower clamping unit in a vertically movable direction. The lower clamping unit includes: a support body that supports the wiring substrate from below in a manner movable in a horizontal plane; and positioning pins that engage with the connector. The plurality of substrate positioning holes of the wiring substrate are respectively fitted together, and the positioning pin has: a first pin portion, which is able to position the wiring substrate on the horizontal plane by being located in the substrate positioning hole; and a second pin portion, which is provided on the top end side of the first pin portion with a shape smaller than the first pin portion, allowing the wiring substrate to be displaced on the horizontal plane when it is located in the substrate positioning hole. The positioning pin is configured to be able to move vertically between a first position in which the first pin portion is located in the substrate positioning hole and a second position in which the second pin portion is located in the substrate positioning hole when the wiring substrate is supported by the support body.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the wiring board supported by the support body of the lower clamping unit is positioned on the horizontal plane (XY plane) by displacing the positioning pin to a first position so that the first pin portion engages in the positioning hole of the wiring board. Then, with the positioning pin displaced to a second position and the second pin portion positioned within the positioning hole, the connector's crimping pin is pressed into the through hole of the wiring board. Thus, even if there is a positional offset of the crimping pin relative to the through hole on the horizontal plane, the wiring board will displace on the horizontal plane due to the force applied during pressing, so the crimping pin is pressed into the through hole in a state that corrects the positional offset on the horizontal plane. Therefore, when assembling a connector with a crimping pin onto the wiring board, even if there is a positional offset of the connector relative to the mounting surface (XY plane) of the board, the connector can be assembled without damaging the crimping pin and the wiring board.

[0014] Other issues, structures, and effects not mentioned above will be clarified through the following description of the implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a press-fit connector, which is the assembly target of a connector assembly apparatus and connector assembly method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a wiring board, the assembly destination of a connector, in a connector assembly apparatus and connector assembly method according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a connector assembly device according to one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A perspective view of the lower clamping unit of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 It means relative to Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a schematic representation of the structural elements of the lower clamp unit and the positional relationship of the wiring board when the lower clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus of one embodiment is used to mount the wiring board.

[0020] Figure 6 It means Figure 4 A perspective view of the lower clamp in the lower clamp unit of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 It means Figure 4A longitudinal sectional view of the locating pin unit in the lower clamping unit of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 8 It means Figure 7 A side view of the structure of the positioning pin in the positioning pin unit of the connector assembly apparatus of one embodiment shown.

[0023] Figure 9 It means Figure 3 A perspective view of the upper clamping unit of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A perspective view (partial cross-section) of the upper clamp in the upper clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus of one embodiment, viewed from the mounting surface side of the upper base plate.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a connector assembly method of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the intermediate state of a connector being installed on the upper clamp of the upper clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view, in an enlarged view, showing the structure of the upper clamp unit of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment, in which the upper clamp presses the press-fit pin of the connector.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a connector is provided on the upper clamp of the upper clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a series of actions and functions of the positioning pin of the lower clamp unit in a connector assembly method of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the state after the connector assembly to the wiring board has been completed by the connector assembly apparatus of one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the connector assembly apparatus and connector assembly method of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] First, use Figure 1 and Figure 2This invention describes the configuration of the connector to be assembled and the configuration of the wiring board at the assembly destination of the connector in a connector assembly apparatus and connector assembly method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a press-fit connector, which is the assembly object of a connector assembly apparatus and connector assembly method as one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a wiring board, the assembly destination of a connector, in a connector assembly apparatus and connector assembly method according to one embodiment.

[0033] exist Figure 1 In the middle, connector 100 is installed Figure 2 The wiring board 120 shown has a press-fit connector with terminals called press-fit pins. Specifically, the connector 100 has a plurality of power pins 101 and a plurality of signal pins 102 as press-fit pins, and a housing 103 that holds the plurality of power pins 101 and the plurality of signal pins 102. A protruding pin 104 is provided on the housing 103 for positioning the connector 100 when mounted onto the wiring board 120. The housing 103 and the protruding pin 104 are, for example, integrally formed resin molded parts.

[0034] Power supply pin 101 is a terminal that can be connected to a power supply system. Signal pin 102 is a terminal that can be connected to a signal system. Power supply pin 101 and signal pin 102, for example, have... Figure 1 The enlarged view shows the pinhole-shaped structural parts 101a and 102a, which are elastically deformed by pressing and inserted into... Figure 2 In the through holes 122 and 123 of the wiring board 120 shown (described later), electrical connection is ensured by engaging using this restoring force. Furthermore, the power pin 101 and signal pin 102, which serve as press-fit pins, may also have elastically deformable structures such as H-shaped or N-shaped. For example, the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 are... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in (corresponding through holes 122, 123), they are arranged at a predetermined first spacing in the first direction, and at a spacing larger than the first spacing in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0035] The housing 103, for example, has a fitting sleeve portion 106 that engages with an external connector (not shown), and an opening that closes one side of the fitting sleeve portion 106 and a retaining bottom 107 that holds a plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102. The fitting sleeve portion 106 is configured to receive portions of the plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102 opposite to the structural portions 101a and 102a (a portion of the extending direction of the power pins 101 and signal pins 102) on the inner peripheral surface 106a side. The fitting sleeve portion 106 is configured, for example, as a cylindrical peripheral wall, and has ribs 108 extending along the extending direction of the fitting sleeve portion 106 on the two outer peripheral surfaces 106b of the opposing wall. The ribs 108 are used relative to the upper clamp 12 of the connector assembly device 1 described later (see the description below). Figure 9 Positioning connector 100. The bottom 107 is maintained to allow multiple power pins 101 and signal pins 102 to pass through, configured as follows: Figure 1 The enlarged view shows that structural parts 101a and 102a are exposed in the opposite direction to the fitting cylinder part 106.

[0036] The protruding pin 104 is configured to protrude from the holding bottom 107 of the housing 103 in the same direction as the structural portions 101a and 102a of the plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102. The protruding amount of the protruding pin 104 from the holding bottom 107 is greater than the protruding amount of the power pins 101 and signal pins 102.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the wiring board 120 for mounting connectors 100 has a substrate 121 on which a wiring layer (not shown) is provided. The wiring board 120 is configured, for example, to mount three connectors 100 (see below). Figure 16 The first to third connectors 100 are mounted, for example, along one side of the outer periphery of the substrate 121.

[0038] The wiring board 120 has a plurality of first through holes 122 that engage with a plurality of power pins 101 of the connector 100 and a plurality of second through holes 123 that engage with a plurality of signal pins 102 of the connector 100. The first through holes 122(a) and the second through holes 123(a) correspond to the first connector 100, the first through holes 122(b) and the second through holes 123(b) correspond to the second connector 100, and the first through holes 122(c) and the second through holes 123(c) correspond to the third connector 100.

[0039] Wiring board 120 has connector positioning holes 124 into which the protruding pins 104 of connector 100 engage. Connector positioning holes 124 are used to position each connector 100 relative to the wiring board 120 during installation, and at least two are required. Connector positioning holes 124 extend through board 121. Connector positioning hole 124(a) corresponds to the first connector 100, connector positioning hole 124(b) corresponds to the second connector 100, and connector positioning hole 124(c) corresponds to the third connector 100.

[0040] The wiring board 120 also has a board positioning hole 125 that penetrates the board 121. The board positioning hole 125 is relative to the lower clamping unit of the connector assembly apparatus 1 described later (see below). Figure 4 At least two wiring board 120s are required to position the wiring board 120 on a horizontal plane (XY plane). The board positioning holes 125 are, for example, disposed in the center of the board 121 and at a corner of the outer periphery of the board 121 that is offset from the mounting position of the first to third connectors 100.

[0041] [One Implementation Method]

[0042] Next, use Figure 3 The outline configuration of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment is described. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a connector assembly device according to one embodiment.

[0043] The connector assembly apparatus 1 assembles the connector 100 onto the wiring board 120 by pressing a plurality of mating pins 101, 102 of the connector 100 into a plurality of through holes 122, 123 of the wiring board 120 and engaging them. Specifically, the connector assembly apparatus 1 includes: a base 2 disposed on a mounting surface, a lower clamping unit 3 disposed on the base 2, and an upper clamping unit 4 located above the lower clamping unit 3 and movable in the vertical direction (Z direction). The lower clamping unit 3 is the part that mounts the wiring board 120 and is configured to be positioned on the horizontal plane (XY plane) of the wiring board 120. The configuration of the lower clamping unit 3 will be described in detail later. The upper clamping unit 4 is the part that mounts the connector 100 and is configured to be movable in the vertical direction and press against the lower clamping unit 3. By holding the connector 100 while moving downward, the upper clamping unit 4 can press the connector 100 into the wiring board 120 disposed on the lower clamping unit 3. The structure of the upper clamping unit 4 will be described in detail later.

[0044] Multiple support pillars 5 are erected on the outer periphery of the base 2, supporting the bridge mounting platform 6. A pressing mechanism 7 is provided on the bridge mounting platform 6 for pressing the upper clamping unit 4 against the lower clamping unit 3. The pressing mechanism 7 has a cylinder 7a with the upper clamping unit 4 fixed at its lower end, multiple guide members 7b mounted on the bridge mounting platform 6, and multiple guide shafts 7c guided by the guide members 7b. The cylinder 7a moves the upper clamping unit 4 in the vertical direction (Z direction) and applies a force to press the connector 100 into the wiring board 120. The lower ends of each guide shaft 7c are fixed to the upper clamping unit 4 and move together with the movement of the upper clamping unit 4. When the upper clamping unit 4 moves vertically using the cylinder 7a, the guide shaft 7c moves along the guide members 7b to limit the lateral sway of the upper clamping unit 4.

[0045] Next, use Figure 4 and Figure 5 The configuration of the lower clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 4 It means Figure 3 A perspective view of the lower clamping unit of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 5 It means relative to Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a schematic representation of the structural elements of the lower clamp unit and the positional relationship of the wiring board when the lower clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus of one embodiment is used to mount the wiring board.

[0046] exist Figure 4 In the connector assembly device 1, the lower clamping unit 3 is capable of operating in a horizontal plane ( Figure 1 A lower worktable 21 slides on the XY plane (as shown). Multiple support pins 22 and a lower clamp 23 are mounted on the lower worktable 21. Additionally, a positioning pin unit 25 and a clamping mechanism 26 are provided on the lower worktable 21.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of support pins 22 constitute a support body that supports the wiring board 120 from below in a manner that allows it to move on a horizontal plane. The plurality of support pins 22 are positioned in a location that does not interfere with electronic components on the wiring board 120 and in a position that can suppress tilting of the wiring board 120 when the connector 100 is pressed in. The plurality of support pins 22 are, for example, as shown in... Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, on the lower worktable 21, six support pins are arranged at positions located below the rotating plate 27 (described later) of the clamping mechanism 26 or at the outer edge of the lower worktable 21 away from the lower clamp 23. Each support pin 22 has a flat surface 22a at its top end, configured such that the lower surface of the wiring board 120 abuts against the flat surface 22a. The support pins 22 are made of SUS440C, and after quenching treatment, the flat surface 22a is mirror-finished. Because the top end of the support pin 22 is a flat surface 22a, tilting of the wiring board 120 can be suppressed.

[0048] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the lower clamp 23 is configured to bear the load of the pressing force of the upper clamp unit 4 on the lower clamp unit 3 when assembling the connector 100 onto the wiring board 120, thereby suppressing the deformation of the wiring board 120 caused by the pressing force of the upper clamp unit 4. Figure 5 As shown, the lower clamp 23 is positioned corresponding to the mounting position of the connector 100 when the wiring board 120 is positioned. The lower clamp 23 is respectively configured to correspond to the mounting positions of the three connectors 100 on the wiring board 120. The structure of the lower clamp 23 will be described in detail later.

[0049] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, the positioning pin unit 25 is used for positioning the wiring board 120, which is supported by multiple support pins 22, on a horizontal plane (XY plane). For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, two positioning pin units 25 are arranged on the lower worktable 21 corresponding to the substrate positioning holes 125 of the wiring board 120. The two positioning pin units 25 are configured to position the wiring board 120 on the horizontal plane (XY plane) by engaging each positioning pin 41 with the substrate positioning hole 125 of the wiring board 120. The positioning pin unit 25 of this embodiment is characterized in that the positioning pin 41 is configured to be displaceable in the vertical direction, shifting between a first position where positioning of the wiring board 120 on the horizontal plane (XY plane) is possible and a second position where the positioning can be released (see below). Figure 15 Therefore, when the connector 100 is pressed into the wiring board 120, the positioning pin unit 25 can temporarily release the positioning of the wiring board 120 on the horizontal plane (XY plane). The configuration and structure of the positioning pin unit 25 will be described in detail later.

[0050] exist Figure 4In this configuration, the clamping mechanism 26 prevents the wiring substrate 120 from lifting when the upper clamping unit 4 moves upward after the connector 100 is assembled onto the wiring substrate 120. The clamping mechanism 26 is configured, for example, to be disposed on both sides of the outer periphery of the lower worktable 21, pressing against opposite sides of the wiring substrate 120. The clamping mechanism 26 includes: a pair of rotatable rotating plates 27 that prevent the wiring substrate 120 from lifting; a direct-acting cylinder 28 that outputs the driving force for driving the pair of rotating plates 27; and a rotation conversion mechanism 29 that converts the driving force of the direct-acting cylinder 28 into rotational motion, causing the rotating plates 27 to rotate. The rotating plates 27 are respectively mounted on both ends of the shaft of the rotation conversion mechanism 29, and are configured to rotate synchronously. By using the rotation conversion mechanism 29 to rotate the pair of rotating plates 27 in conjunction to a position that does not interfere with the wiring substrate 120, the clamping mechanism 26 releases the function of preventing the wiring substrate 120 from lifting.

[0051] Next, use Figures 4-6 The structure of the lower clamp in the lower clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 6 It means Figure 4 A perspective view of the lower clamp of the lower clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0052] exist Figure 6 The lower clamp 23 has a base plate portion 31 mounted on the lower worktable 21 and a press-in receiving portion 32 integrally formed on the upper surface of the base plate portion 31. The base plate portion 31 is, for example, formed into a rectangular shape having a long side direction. The press-in receiving portion 32 corresponds to the clamp body portion 14 of the upper clamp 12 described later in the upper clamp unit 4 (see the description below). Figure 9 It is formed by the shape of the lower end face of the ).

[0053] The base plate 31 has two pin holes 31a for positioning the lower clamp 23 relative to the lower worktable 21. The two pin holes 31a are provided such that they pass through one end and the other end of the base plate 31. Each pin hole 31a is inserted into the lower worktable 21 (see reference 21). Figure 4 The lower fixture 23 is configured such that the top pin (not shown) is inserted into the two pin holes 31a of the bottom plate portion 31, thereby positioning it relative to the lower worktable 21.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the base plate 31 has four bolt holes 31b. The four bolt holes 31b are arranged, for example, at the four corners of the base plate 31. Each bolt hole 31b is, for example, a countersunk hole. Figure 4As shown, bolts 34 with internal hexagonal holes are inserted. The lower clamp 23 is fixed to the lower worktable 21 by inserting bolts 34 into the four bolt holes 31b of the base plate 31 and tightening them.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, a shaft hole 31c is provided through the base plate 31, and the shaft hole 31c is formed to allow the insertion of the shaft 17 (described later) of the upper clamping unit 4. Figure 9 Each shaft hole 31c is configured to be press-fitted into an oil-free bushing (not shown), such that the shaft 17 is inserted into the central hole of the bushing. Figure 4 As shown, an adjustment plate 24 is installed on the upper surface of the base plate 31 at the location where the shaft hole 31c is formed.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the press-in receiving portion 32 has a plurality of first elongated holes 32a. When the plurality of power pins 101 of the connector 100 are pressed into the plurality of first through holes 122 of the wiring board 120, several of the plurality of power pins 101 are inserted into the first elongated holes 32a. It also has a plurality of second elongated holes 32b. When the plurality of signal pins 102 are pressed into the plurality of second through holes 123, several of the plurality of signal pins 102 are inserted into the second elongated holes 32b. Each first elongated hole 32a is configured, for example, to accommodate several of the plurality of power pins 101 arranged with relatively small spacing as a group, with the power pins 101 not reaching the depth of the base plate portion 31. Each second elongated hole 32b is configured to accommodate the plurality of signal pins 102 arranged with relatively small spacing as a group, with the signal pins 102 not reaching the depth of the base plate portion 31. That is, each first elongated hole 32a is configured to extend along the extending direction (first direction) of the relatively small spacing arrangement of the power pins 101. Each of the second elongated holes 32b is configured to extend in a direction (first direction) along the relatively small spacing of the signal pins 102.

[0057] Next, use Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The configuration and structure of the positioning pin unit in the lower clamping unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 7 It means Figure 4 A longitudinal sectional view of the locating pin unit in the lower clamping unit of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 8 It means Figure 7 A side view of the structure of the positioning pin in the positioning pin unit of the connector assembly apparatus of one embodiment shown.

[0058] exist Figure 7In this unit, the positioning pin unit 25 includes a positioning pin 41 capable of displacement in the vertical direction, a bracket 42 capable of displacement in the vertical direction to hold the positioning pin 41, and a cylinder 43 for driving the positioning pin 41 in the vertical direction. An oil-free bushing 44 is pressed into the bracket 42, and the positioning pin 41 is slidably disposed on the inner diameter side of the bushing 44. Figure 4 As shown, the locating pin unit 25 secures the bracket 42 to the lower worktable 21 via bolts 48. The bracket 42 and the lower worktable 21 are configured with a g6H7 fitting tolerance relationship, where the bracket 42 is on the axial side and the lower worktable 21 is on the bore side. This ensures the reproducibility of the bracket 42's installation position when replacing the locating pin 41 and bushing 44.

[0059] like Figure 8 As shown, the locating pin 41 is formed with a stepped shape and a circular cross-section, tapering at the top. Specifically, the locating pin 41 is formed by... Figure 2 The wiring board 120 shown consists of a first pin portion 41a that fits into the substrate positioning hole 125, a second pin portion 41b provided on the top end side of one side of the first pin portion 41a, and a pin base portion 41c integrally provided with the other side end of the first pin portion 41a.

[0060] The first pin portion 41a is configured to be positioned on the horizontal surface of the wiring substrate 120 via a substrate positioning hole 125 located within the wiring substrate 120. Specifically, the first pin portion 41a is cylindrical and has a diameter slightly smaller than the aperture of the substrate positioning hole 125, allowing it to be positioned on the horizontal surface of the wiring substrate 120. The first pin portion 41a has a length exceeding the thickness of the wiring substrate 120.

[0061] The second pin portion 41b is formed in a shape smaller than the first pin portion 41a, allowing the wiring substrate 120 to move horizontally within a range larger than the substrate positioning hole 125 when it is located within the substrate positioning hole 125 of the wiring substrate 120. Specifically, the second pin portion 41b has a tapered shape with a smaller diameter than the first pin portion 41a. The second pin portion 41b functions to prevent excessive lateral sliding of the wiring substrate 120 on the horizontal plane during the pressing stroke of the connector 100.

[0062] The pin base portion 41c is sized to be unable to be inserted into the substrate positioning hole 125 of the wiring board 120, and is configured as a sliding portion that slides relative to the inner peripheral surface of the bushing 44 and moves vertically. The pin base portion 41c is, for example, formed as a cylinder with a diameter larger than that of the first pin portion 41a, so as to have a stepped shape relative to the first pin portion 41a. On the upper part of the pin base portion 41c, a double-sided cut (not shown) is performed for wrench engagement.

[0063] The rising position of the positioning pin 41 is restricted to a position where the upper end surface (step surface) of the pin base portion 41c does not contact the lower surface of the wiring board 120. That is, the positioning pin 41 does not have the function of supporting the wiring board 120, but only has the function of positioning on the horizontal surface of the wiring board 120.

[0064] like Figure 7 As shown, cylinder 43 includes: a cylinder body 51 having an internal space, and a side end extending through the interior of cylinder body 51. Figure 7 The piston rod 52 extends from the upper middle end and is located at the other end of the piston rod 52. Figure 7 A piston 53 (located at the lower end of the cylinder body 51) is capable of sliding inside the cylinder body 51. The piston rod 52 and piston 53 are, for example, integrally formed. The piston 53 divides the interior of the cylinder body 51 into a first air chamber 51a and a second air chamber 51b. The first air chamber 51a is the space where the piston rod 52 extends, and the second air chamber 51b is the space where the piston rod 52 is not present. An air line connector 45 is connected to the second air chamber 51b side of the cylinder body 51. The air line connector 45 is a portion that connects to an air line connected to a compressed air supply source, functioning as a supply port for supplying compressed air to the second air chamber 51b of the cylinder body 51.

[0065] The piston rod 52 of cylinder 43 is connected to the locating pin 41 via a connector 46. The connector 46 is connected to the locating pin 41 (pin base 41c) by screws and is integrally displaced in the vertical direction with the locating pin 41. The connector 46 functions to absorb the misalignment of the axis of the piston rod 52 of cylinder 43 and the axis of the locating pin 41. This prevents seizing between the pin base 41c of the locating pin 41 and the bushing 44. The piston rod 52 is engaged with the connector 46 by screwing it in, and the insertion amount relative to the connector 46 is adjusted by a nut 47. The vertical stroke of the locating pin 41 is determined based on the insertion amount of the piston rod 52 into the connector 46.

[0066] Cylinder 43 supplies compressed air to the second air chamber 51b of cylinder body 51 via air line connector 45, causing piston rod 52 to rise as piston 53 rises. This causes locating pin 41 to rise. Conversely, when compressed air supply to cylinder body 51 is stopped, piston rod 52 descends due to the spring action of air in the first air chamber 51a of cylinder body 51. This causes locating pin 41 to descend.

[0067] In this embodiment, the key feature is the timing of the vertical displacement of the positioning pin 41 of the positioning pin unit 25 and the vertical movement of the positioning pin 41. The positioning pin unit 25 is configured such that, when the wiring board 120 is supported by a plurality of support pins 22, the positioning pin 41 can be displaced vertically between a first position (rising position) where the first pin portion 41a of the positioning pin 41 is located within the substrate positioning hole 125 of the wiring board 120, and a second position (falling position) where the second pin portion 41b of the positioning pin 41 is located within the substrate positioning hole 125 (see later description). Figure 15 That is, the positioning pin unit 25 positions the wiring board 120 on the horizontal plane by moving the positioning pin 41 upward to the rising position, and releases the positioning of the wiring board 120 on the horizontal plane by moving the positioning pin 41 downward to the falling position, and prevents excessive lateral sliding of the wiring board 120.

[0068] The vertical movement of the positioning pin 41 is controlled by air-applied on / off control. This air-applied on / off control can be performed, for example, by controlling a single-type solenoid valve using a control device called a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). This allows the positioning pin 41 to move up and down at appropriate times. The timing of the vertical movement of the positioning pin 41 will be described later.

[0069] Next, use Figure 9 and Figure 10 The configuration and structure of the upper clamping unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 9 It means Figure 3 A perspective view of the upper clamping unit of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 10 Viewed from the mounting side of the top plate. Figure 9 A perspective view (partial cross-section) of the upper clamp in the upper clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus of one embodiment.

[0070] exist Figure 9 The upper clamping unit 4 includes: an upper base plate 11 movable in the vertical direction; an upper clamp 12 fixed to the lower surface of the upper base plate 11 for mounting the connector 100; and a parallel chuck 18 for holding the connector 100 mounted on the upper clamp 12. The upper clamping unit 4 is configured such that when the connector 100 is pressed onto the wiring board 120 provided in the lower clamping unit 3, the protruding pin 104 in the connector 100 first contacts the wiring board 120 (see below). Figure 15 A top pin (not shown) for positioning is provided on the upper base plate 11.

[0071] The upper clamp 12 consists of a flat base portion 13 fixed to the upper base plate 11, and a housing 103 integrally disposed on the lower surface side of the base portion 13 and connected to the connector 100 (see reference). Figure 1 And then Figure 12 The clamping body 14 is composed of a mating fixture. For example... Figure 10 As shown, a pin hole 13a is formed through the base portion 13 for inserting the top pin of the upper base plate 11.

[0072] like Figure 9 As shown, the clamp body 14 is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape corresponding to the housing 103 of the connector 100. The clamp body 14 has a flat surface 14a at its lower end, which serves as a pressing surface for pressing the crimping pins 101 and 102 of the connector 100 against the wiring board 120 during the pressing stroke. Specifically, the flat surface 14a of the clamp body 14 is used to press the shoulder 101b of the crimping pin 101 of the connector 100 (see below). Figure 13 The clamp body 14 has a tapered portion 14b at its lower end (top end) that tapers toward the top of the flat surface 14a. The tapered portion 14b of the clamp body 14 is used to facilitate the insertion of the fitting sleeve portion 106 of the connector 100 into the clamp body 14.

[0073] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the fixture body 14 is provided with a plurality of power pins 101 or a plurality of signal pins 102 for accommodating the connector 100 (see reference). Figure 1 And then Figure 12 The connector 100 has multiple elongated pin receiving holes 14c and multiple single pin receiving holes 14d for receiving a power supply pin 101. Each elongated pin receiving hole 14c and each single pin receiving hole 14d is configured to penetrate the main body 14 and the base 13 (upper clamp 12) in a vertical direction. The spacing of the single pin receiving holes 14d is the same as the spacing of the multiple power supply pins 101 of the connector 100. The spacing of the elongated pin receiving holes 14c is the same as the spacing of the multiple power supply pins 101 or the spacing of the multiple signal pins 102.

[0074] like Figure 9 As shown, a positioning guide 15 is mounted on the lower surface of the base portion 13, which positions the connector 100 relative to the clamp body portion 14. The positioning guide 15 is configured to face the two sides of the short side of the clamp body portion 14. The positioning guide 15 has a guide portion 15a, which guides the rib 108 (see reference 108) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the fitting sleeve portion 106 of the connector 100 when the connector 100 is mounted on the clamp body portion 14. Figure 1The guide portion 15a is shaped like a rib 108 capable of clamping the connector 100, and extends in a direction (vertical direction) protruding from the base portion 13 of the clamp body portion 14. The top end portion (lower end) of the guide portion 15a becomes an inclined portion 15b that slopes away from the clamp body portion 14 towards the top end (see below). Figure 12 The positioning guide 15 is formed with a thickness that is more than half the height of the connector 100, which can stabilize the posture of the connector 100 when positioning the connector 100 relative to the fixture body 14.

[0075] like Figure 9 As shown, a pin hole 15c for inserting the top pin (not shown) of the upper base plate 11 and a bolt hole 15d for inserting the bolt 16 are provided on the positioning guide 15 in a vertically penetrating manner. The pin hole 15c of the positioning guide 15 and the top pin (not shown) of the upper base plate 11 are configured to fit within the clearance tolerance of Japanese Industrial Standard B0401. The positioning guide 15 is fixed to the base portion 13 (upper clamp 12) by tightening the bolt 16, and can be removed from the upper clamp 12 by releasing the bolt 16. By inserting the top pin of the upper base plate 11 into the pin hole 15c of the positioning guide 15, the reproducibility of the installation position of the positioning guide 15 relative to the upper base plate 11 can be ensured.

[0076] On the lower surface of the base portion 13, two shafts 17 are also installed near one of the positioning guides 15. Each shaft 17 is inserted into the shaft hole 31c of the lower clamp 23 of the lower clamp unit 3 during the pressing stroke (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0077] The parallel chuck 18 extends opposite to the two sides of the long side of the clamp body 14. The parallel chuck 18 is positioned by the positioning guide 15, holding and fixing the connector 100 mounted on the clamp body 14 of the upper clamp 12 in place.

[0078] Next, use Figure 5 , Figure 9 , Figures 11-16 A connector assembly method using a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a connector assembly method of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view showing the intermediate state when a connector is installed on the upper clamp of the upper clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view showing, in an enlarged view, the structure of the upper clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment, in which the upper clamp presses the connector's press-fit pin. Figure 14This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which a connector is provided on the upper clamp of the upper clamp unit of the connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a series of actions and functions of the positioning pin of the lower clamp unit in a connector assembly method of a connector assembly apparatus according to one embodiment. Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the state after the connector assembly to the wiring board has been completed by the connector assembly apparatus of one embodiment.

[0079] exist Figure 11 In the first step, a wiring board 120 is disposed on the lower clamp unit 3 of the connector assembly device 1 (step S10). Specifically, by attaching a wiring board 120 to the connector assembly device 1... Figure 5 Compressed air is supplied to the cylinder 43 of the positioning pin unit 25 in the lower clamping unit 3, causing the positioning pin 41 to move to the raised position (first position) (step S12). Next, the wiring board 120 is supported from below by the flat surfaces 22a of the plurality of support pins 22 of the lower clamping unit 3 in a manner that allows it to move horizontally, and the first pin portion 41a of the positioning pin 41 engages with the substrate positioning hole 125 of the wiring board 120 (step S14). (Refer to...) Figure 15 Before the upper section of the pressing stroke Figure 1 Therefore, the wiring board 120 is positioned on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the position of the pressing receiving portion 32 of the lower clamp 23 of the lower clamp unit 3 overlaps with the mounting position (through hole 122, 123 or connector positioning hole 124) of the connector 100 on the wiring board 120. Then, using... Figure 4 The rotating plate 27 of the clamping mechanism 26 of the lower clamping unit 3 shown holds the positioned wiring board 120 (step S16).

[0080] Second, the connector 100 is mounted on the upper clamping unit 4 of the connector assembly device 1 (step S20). Specifically, the connector 100 is positioned and installed. Figure 9 The clamping body 14 of the upper clamp 12 in the upper clamping unit 4 is shown (step S22). Next, the connector 100, which is positioned relative to the clamping body 14, is fixed by the parallel chuck 18 of the upper clamping unit 4 (step S16).

[0081] Specifically, in step S22, as Figure 12 As shown, when the housing 103 of the connector 100 is inserted into the main body 14 of the clamp, the rib 108 of the fitting cylinder 106 moves along the guide portion 15a of the positioning guide 15 of the upper clamp unit 4. Thus, as... Figure 12 and Figure 14As shown, the connector 100 is positioned relative to the fixture body 14, and the housing 103 of the connector 100 is engaged with the fixture body 14. At this time, the plurality of power pins 101 of the connector 100 are inserted into and housed in the fixture body 14. Figure 14 The pin receiving elongated hole 14c and pin receiving single hole 14d are shown. Similarly, multiple signal pins 102 of the connector 100 are inserted into and received in the pin receiving elongated hole 14c of the fixture body 14.

[0082] like Figure 12 As shown, the clamp body 14 has a tapered portion 14b that tapers at the top, making it easy to insert the clamp body 14 into the inner circumferential surface 106a of the fitting sleeve portion 106 of the connector 100. Furthermore, the guide portion 15a of the positioning guide 15 has an inclined portion 15b that tapers at the top, making it easy to insert the rib 108 of the connector 100 into the positioning guide 15. When the clamp body 14 is inserted into the housing 103 of the connector 100, as... Figure 13 As shown, the flat surface 14a at the top of the clamp body 14 abuts against the shoulder 101b of the press-fit pins 101 and 102 of the connector 100. That is, the press-fit pins 101 and 102 are pressed into the through holes 122 and 123 of the wiring board 120 by pressing through the shoulder 101b.

[0083] Next, the upper clamping unit 4 is lowered to a predetermined position just before the connector 100 mounted on the upper clamping unit 4 comes into contact with the wiring board 120 mounted on the lower clamping unit 3 (step S30). Specifically, the upper clamping unit 4 is lowered to a predetermined position before the connector 100 mounted on the upper clamping unit 4 comes into contact with the wiring board 120 mounted on the lower clamping unit 3 (step S30). Figure 9 The upper clamping unit 4 shown descends to Figure 1 The tip of the protruding pin 104 of the connector 100 shown is about to reach the wiring board 120. Figure 2 The position before the opening of the connector positioning hole 124 shown.

[0084] Next, by cutting off the supply... Figure 5 Compressed air is supplied to the cylinder 43 of the positioning pin unit 25 of the lower clamping unit 3, causing the positioning pin 41 to move to the lowered position (second position) (step S40). As a result, the positioning pin 41 is positioned below the substrate positioning hole 125 of the wiring board 120, having previously been positioned with the first pin portion 41a inside the hole. Simultaneously, a portion of the second pin portion 41b, which is the top end of the first pin portion 41, is positioned within the substrate positioning hole 125. That is, while releasing the positioning of the first pin portion 41a on the horizontal plane of the wiring board 120, movement of the second pin portion 41b on the horizontal plane of the wiring board 120 is allowed within a range smaller than the diameter of the substrate positioning hole 125.

[0085] Additionally, the clamping mechanism 26 of the lower clamping unit 3 releases its hold on the wiring board 120 (step S50). Specifically, the pair of rotating plates 27 of the clamping mechanism 26 are rotated parallel to the wiring board 120 with a gap of 0.5 mm between them.

[0086] Then, a pressing stroke is performed to press the connector 100, which is set on the upper clamping unit 4, into the wiring board 120, which is set on the lower clamping unit 3 (step S60). First, as Figure 15 As shown in Figure 2, during the pressing stroke on the left side of the middle section, with a portion of the second pin portion 41b of the positioning pin 41 remaining within the substrate positioning hole 125 of the wiring substrate 120, the tip of the protruding pin 104 of the connector 100 contacts the opening edge of the connector positioning hole 124 of the wiring substrate 120. The housing 103 and the protruding pin 104 of the connector 100 are resin molded products, and therefore have relatively large dimensional errors. Therefore, even if the wiring substrate 120 is precisely positioned on the lower clamping unit 3 and the connector 100 is precisely positioned on the upper clamping unit 4, the position of the axis of the protruding pin 104 and the center position of the connector positioning hole 124 may sometimes deviate significantly. In this case, when the protruding pin 104 is inserted into the connector positioning hole 124, due to the force acting on the wiring substrate 120 from the pin 104, the wiring substrate 120 displaces in the horizontal plane within the range limited by the second pin portion 41b of the positioning pin 41. Thus, as... Figure 15 As shown in Figure 3 during the middle section of the press-in stroke, the positional offset between the axis of the protruding pin 104 and the center position of the connector positioning hole 124 is corrected. When the protruding pin 104 is fully inserted into the connector positioning hole 124, as... Figure 15 As shown in Figure 4, during the press-in stroke on the right side of the middle section, the press-fit pin 101 of the connector 100 is automatically positioned relative to the through hole 122 of the wiring board 120. Therefore, the press-fit pin 101 is pressed in with its position relative to the through hole 122. This prevents damage to the press-fit pin 101 and the wiring board 120 caused by positional misalignment of the press-fit pin 101 relative to the through hole 122 during press-in.

[0087] At this time, the pair of rotating plates 27 of the clamping mechanism 26 of the lower clamping unit 3 are positioned parallel to each other with a gap of 0.5 mm relative to the wiring substrate 120. Therefore, when the connector 100 is assembled to the wiring substrate 120, pressing the wiring substrate 120 downward by the rotating plates 27 can prevent the wiring substrate 120 from being subjected to load and causing unnecessary deformation.

[0088] After the press-fit pins 101 and 102 are pressed into the through holes 122 and 123 (after the press-in stroke is completed), the positioning pin 41 of the positioning pin unit 25 is displaced to the raised position (first position) (step S70). Specifically, as follows... Figure 15As shown in Figure 5 after the lower section of the pressing stroke is completed, with the protruding pin 104 and the press-fit pin 101 of the connector 100 pressed into the connector positioning hole 124 and through hole 122 of the wiring board 120, the positioning pin 41 changes from a state where the second pin portion 41b is located in the board positioning hole 125 of the wiring board 120 to a state where the first pin portion 41a is located in the board positioning hole 125. That is, the wiring board 120 is positioned on the horizontal plane again on the lower clamping unit 3.

[0089] Next, in order to transport the wiring board 120 with the connector 100 assembled thereon, the upper clamping unit 4 is raised to its original position (step S80). At this time, the pair of rotating plates 27 of the clamping mechanism 26 of the lower clamping unit 3 are positioned parallel to each other with a gap of 0.5 mm relative to the wiring board 120. This prevents the wiring board 120 with the connector 100 assembled thereon from being lifted up as the upper clamping unit 4 with the connector 100 is raised.

[0090] Next, the wiring board 120 with the connector 100 assembled is removed from the lower clamping unit 3 and transported (step S90). Specifically, the pair of rotating plates 27 of the clamping mechanism 26 are linked and rotated to a position where the wiring board 120 does not interfere (see reference). Figure 16 Therefore, the function of clamping mechanism 26 in preventing the wiring board 120 from floating off the lower clamping unit 3 is released. At this time, in step S70, the wiring board 120 is positioned on the horizontal plane on the lower clamping unit 3 (see reference). Figure 15 (Figure 5, after the lower section of the pressing stroke is completed). Therefore, when the wiring board 120 with the connector 100 assembled is removed from the lower clamping unit 3 and transported, the transport device can hold the wiring board 120 in the correct horizontal position. After such a series of strokes (steps S10 to S90), finally as shown in Figure 5. Figure 16 As shown, three connectors 100 are assembled on the wiring board 120.

[0091] As described above, one embodiment of the connector assembly apparatus 1 is an apparatus in which a connector 100 having a plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) and a housing 103 holding the plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) is pressed into and engaged with a plurality of first through holes 122 and second through holes 123 (through holes) in a wiring board 120 having a plurality of first through holes 122 and second through holes 123 (through holes) and a plurality of substrate positioning holes 125, thereby assembling the connector 100 onto the wiring board 120. The connector assembly apparatus 1 includes: a lower clamping unit 3 on which the wiring board 120 is disposed; and an upper clamping unit 4 on which the connector 100 is disposed, which is movable in the vertical direction and presses the lower clamping unit 3. The lower clamping unit 3 includes: a plurality of support pins 22 (support bodies) that support the wiring board 120 from below in a manner movable on a horizontal plane; and positioning pins 41 that respectively engage with a plurality of substrate positioning holes 125 of the wiring board 120. The positioning pins 41 have: a first pin portion 41a that is positioned on the horizontal plane (XY plane) of the wiring board 120 by being located within the substrate positioning holes 125; and a second pin portion 41b that is smaller in shape than the first pin portion 41a and is disposed on the top end side of the first pin portion 41a, allowing the wiring board 120 to move on the horizontal plane when located within the substrate positioning holes 125. The positioning pins 41 are configured such that, when the wiring board 120 is supported by the plurality of support pins 22 (support bodies), it can move vertically between a raised position (first position) where the first pin portion 41a is located within the substrate positioning holes 125 and a lowered position (second position) where the second pin portion 41b is located within the substrate positioning holes 125.

[0092] According to this configuration, relative to the wiring board 120 supported by the plurality of support pins 22 (support bodies) of the lower clamping unit 3, the first pin portion 41a is engaged into the substrate positioning hole 125 of the wiring board 120 by displacing the positioning pin 41 to the first position, thereby positioning the wiring board 120 on the horizontal plane (XY plane). When the positioning pin 41 is displaced to the second position and the second pin portion 41b is located in the substrate positioning hole 125, the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pin) of the connector 100 are pressed into the wiring board. The wiring board 120 has a first through-hole 122 and a second through-hole 123 (through holes). Therefore, even if the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pins) are offset in position relative to the first through-hole 122 and the second through-hole 123 (through holes) on the horizontal plane, the wiring board 120 will be displaced in the horizontal plane due to the force applied during pressing. Thus, the offset in the horizontal plane of the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pins) is corrected before they are pressed into the first through-hole 122 and the second through-hole 123 (through holes). Therefore, when assembling the connector 100 with power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pins) onto the wiring board 120, even if there is an offset in position relative to the mounting surface (XY plane) of the connector 100, the assembly of the connector 100 can be performed without damaging the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pins) or the wiring board 120.

[0093] In this embodiment, the housing 103 of the connector 100 has a fitting cylindrical portion 106 (cylinder portion) configured to accommodate a portion of the pin extension direction of a plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins). The fitting cylindrical portion 106 (cylinder portion) of the housing 103 has a rib 108 extending along the extension direction of the fitting cylindrical portion 106 (cylinder portion) on its outer peripheral surface 106b. The upper clamping unit 4 is configured to include an upper clamping fixture 12 and a positioning guide 15. The upper clamping fixture 12 has a clamping body portion 14 for fitting the housing 103 of the connector 100. The positioning guide 15 is disposed opposite to the side of the clamping body portion 14 of the upper clamping fixture 12 and guides the rib 108 of the connector 100.

[0094] According to this configuration, when the connector 100 is installed on the clamp body 14 of the upper clamp 12, the connector 100 is positioned relative to the clamp body 14, thereby suppressing the shaking of the connector 100 relative to the clamp body 14.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top end of the clamping body 14 of the upper clamp 12 is formed into a tapered shape with a tapered tip. With this configuration, the engagement of the housing 103 of the connector 100 with respect to the clamping body 14 of the upper clamp 12 becomes easier.

[0096] Furthermore, the lower clamp unit 3 in the connector assembly apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a lower clamp 23, which is disposed at a position corresponding to the mounting position of the connector 100 when the wiring board 120 is positioned, and bears the pressure load of the upper clamp unit 4 on the lower clamp unit 3. The lower clamp 23 has a first elongated hole 32a and a second elongated hole 32b (elongated hole), which can accommodate several of the power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) of the connector 100 when they are pressed into the plurality of first through holes 122 and second through holes 123 (through holes) of the wiring board 120.

[0097] According to this configuration, the lower clamp 23 can bear the pressing load of the upper clamp unit 4 while avoiding contact between the power pin 101 and the signal pin 102 (press-fit pin) and the lower clamp 23.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power pin 101 and the signal pin 102 (press-fit pins) are arranged at a predetermined first spacing in the first direction, and are arranged at a spacing larger than the first spacing in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In addition, the first elongated hole 32a and the second elongated hole 32b (elongated hole) of the lower clamp 23 are configured to extend along the first direction.

[0099] According to this configuration, when the connector 100 is pressed into the wiring board 120, even if the wiring board 120 is displaced on the horizontal plane due to the pressing force, the possibility of the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pin) contacting the sidewalls of the first elongated hole 32a and the second elongated hole 32b (elongated hole) of the lower clamp 23 can be reduced.

[0100] In this embodiment, the connector 100 has a resin protruding pin 104 that protrudes outward from the housing 103 relative to a plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) and is positioned relative to the wiring board 120. The wiring board 120 has a connector positioning hole 124 for the protruding pin 104 of the connector 100 to engage. Furthermore, the upper clamping unit 4 is configured such that when the connector 100 is pressed onto the wiring board 120 disposed on the lower clamping unit 3, the connector 100 is configured such that the protruding pin 104 in the connector 100 first contacts the opening edge of the connector positioning hole 124 of the wiring board 120.

[0101] According to this configuration, the resin protruding pin 104 of the connector 100 first contacts the wiring board 120, which can correct the positional offset of the wiring board 120 relative to the connector 100 on the horizontal plane. Therefore, compared with the case where the positional offset of the wiring board 120 is corrected by the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pin) first contacting the wiring board 120, damage to the wiring board 120 can be avoided.

[0102] Additionally, as described above, one embodiment of the connector assembly method is a method in which the connector 100 is assembled onto the wiring board 120 by pressing and engaging the multiple power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) in the connector 100, which has multiple power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) and a housing 103 holding the multiple power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins), into the multiple first through holes 122 and second through holes 123 (through holes) in the wiring board 120, which has multiple first through holes 122 and second through holes 123 (through holes) and multiple substrate positioning holes 125. Furthermore, this connector assembly method includes: a first stroke, in which the wiring board 120 is supported from below in a manner movable on a horizontal plane, and the first pin portion 41a of the positioning pin 41 is engaged with the plurality of board positioning holes 125 of the wiring board 120 to position the wiring board 120 on a horizontal plane, thereby placing the wiring board 120 on the lower clamping unit 3; a second stroke, in which the connector 100 is placed on the upper clamping unit 4, which is movable in the vertical direction relative to the lower clamping unit 3; and a third stroke, after the first and second strokes, when the connector 100 is about to be assembled with the wiring board 120... When the upper clamping unit 4 is lowered before the wire substrate 120 contacts, the positioning pin 41 is displaced so that the first pin portion 41a of the positioning pin 41 is outside the substrate positioning hole 125, and the second pin portion 41b of the positioning pin 41, which is smaller in shape than the first pin portion 41a, is inside the substrate positioning hole 125; and in the fourth stroke, after the third stroke, the lower clamping unit 3 presses the upper clamping unit 4 to press the plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) of the connector 100 into the plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) of the wiring substrate 120.

[0103] According to this method, by pressing the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pins) of the connector 100 into the first through hole 122 and the second through hole 123 (through hole) of the wiring substrate 120 with the second pin portion 41b of the positioning pin 41 located in the positioning hole 125 of the substrate, even if there is a positional offset of the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pins) relative to the horizontal plane of the first through hole 122 and the second through hole 123 (through hole), since the wiring substrate 120 will be displaced on the horizontal plane due to the force applied during pressing, the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pins) are pressed into the first through hole 122 and the second through hole 123 (through hole) in a state that corrects the positional offset on the horizontal plane. Therefore, when assembling the connector 100 with power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pin) onto the wiring board 120, even if there is a positional offset relative to the mounting surface (XY plane) of the connector 100, the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pin) and the wiring board 120 can be assembled without damaging them.

[0104] In addition, the connector assembly method of this embodiment includes: a fifth stroke, after the fourth stroke, displacing the positioning pin 41 so that the first pin portion 41a of the positioning pin 41 is located in the substrate positioning hole 125; and a sixth stroke, after the fifth stroke, removing the wiring substrate 120 with the connector 100 assembled from the lower clamping unit and transporting it.

[0105] According to this method, since the wiring board 120 with the connector 100 assembled is positioned on the horizontal plane on the lower clamping unit 3 through the fifth stroke, the wiring board 120 with the connector 100 assembled can be held in the correct horizontal position when it is unloaded from the lower clamping unit 3 and transported. Therefore, positional deviation relative to the next transport position can be suppressed.

[0106] Furthermore, in the connector assembly method of this embodiment, the connector 100 has a resin protruding pin 104 that protrudes outward from the housing 103 relative to a plurality of power pins 101 and signal pins 102 (press-fit pins) and is positioned relative to the wiring board 120. The wiring board 120 has a connector positioning hole 124 for the protruding pin 104 of the connector 100 to engage. Additionally, in the fourth stroke of this connector assembly method, the protruding pin 104 in the connector 100 first contacts the opening edge of the connector positioning hole 124 in the wiring board 120.

[0107] According to this method, the resin protruding pin 104 of the connector 100 first contacts the wiring board 120, which can correct the positional offset of the wiring board 120 relative to the connector 100 on the horizontal plane. Therefore, compared with the case where the positional offset of the wiring board 120 is corrected by the power pin 101 and signal pin 102 (press-fit pin) first contacting the wiring board 120, damage to the wiring board 120 can be avoided.

[0108] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0109] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes various modifications. The embodiments described above have been detailed for ease of understanding and explanation of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to having all the described configurations. A part of the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced by the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, other configurations can be added, deleted, or replaced for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

[0110] For example, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the connector 100 has a resin protruding pin 104, and during the fourth stroke of pressing the connector 100 into the wiring board 120, the protruding pin 104 of the connector 100 contacts the wiring board 120 first. However, it is also possible for the connector 100 to not have a protruding pin 104, and for the press-fit pins 101 and 102 of the connector 100 to contact the wiring board 120 first.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the second pin portion 41b of the positioning pin 41 is conical. However, the shape of the positioning pin 41 is arbitrary as long as the second pin portion 41b is smaller than the first pin portion 41a and allows displacement of the wiring board on the horizontal plane. For example, the second pin portion 41b may also be formed as a cylinder with a diameter smaller than the first pin portion.

[0112] Symbol Explanation

[0113] 1…Connector assembly device, 3…Lower clamp unit, 4…Upper clamp unit, 12…Upper clamp, 14…Clamp body, 14b…Conical part, 15…Positioning guide, 22…Support pin (support body), 23…Lower clamp, 32a…First elongated hole (elongated hole), 32b…Second elongated hole (elongated hole), 41…Positioning pin, 41a…First pin part, 41b…Second pin part, 100…Connector, 101…Power pin (press-fit pin), 102…Signal pin (press-fit pin), 103…Housing, 104…Protruding pin, 106…Matching cylinder part (cylinder part), 106b…Outer peripheral surface, 108…Rib, 120…Wiring board, 122…First through hole (through hole), 123…Second through hole (through hole), 124…Connector positioning hole, 125…Board positioning hole.

Claims

1. A connector assembly apparatus for pressing and engaging the plurality of press-fit pins of a connector having a plurality of press-fit pins and a housing for retaining the plurality of press-fit pins into the plurality of through holes in a wiring board having a plurality of through holes and a plurality of substrate positioning holes, thereby assembling the connector onto the wiring board, the connector assembly apparatus being characterized in that it comprises: The lower clamping unit is used to mount the wiring board; as well as The upper clamping unit, which is provided with the connector, is capable of pressing the lower clamping unit in a vertical direction. The lower clamping unit includes: A support body that supports the wiring board from below in a manner that allows it to move on a horizontal plane; as well as Positioning pins, which respectively engage with the plurality of substrate positioning holes on the wiring substrate. The positioning pin has: A first pin, which, by means of a positioning hole located within the substrate, enables the wiring substrate to be positioned on the horizontal plane; and A second pin, which is smaller in shape than the first pin, is disposed on the top side of the first pin, allowing the wiring board to be displaced on the horizontal plane when it is located within the positioning hole of the substrate. The positioning pin is configured such that, when the wiring board is supported by the support body, it can be displaced vertically between a first position where the first pin portion is located within the positioning hole of the board and a second position where the second pin portion is located within the positioning hole of the board.

2. The connector assembly apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector housing has a cylindrical portion configured to accommodate a portion of the pin extension direction of the plurality of press-fit pins. The cylindrical portion of the housing has ribs extending along the extending direction of the cylindrical portion on its outer peripheral surface. The upper clamping unit includes: Upper clamp, having a clamp body portion that engages with the housing of the connector; and A positioning guide, which is disposed opposite to the side of the clamp body of the upper clamp, guides the rib of the connector.

3. The connector assembly apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The top end of the main body of the upper clamp is formed into a tapered shape that tapers at the top.

4. The connector assembly apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower clamp unit includes a lower clamp, which is positioned corresponding to the mounting position of the connector when the wiring board is positioned, and bears the pressing load of the upper clamp unit on the lower clamp unit. The lower clamp has an elongated hole that can accommodate several of the plurality of press-fit pins when the plurality of press-fit pins of the connector are pressed into the plurality of through holes of the wiring board.

5. The connector assembly apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of press-fit pins are arranged at a predetermined first interval in a first direction, and at intervals larger than the first interval in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The elongated hole of the lower clamp is configured to extend along the first direction.

6. The connector assembly apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector has a resin protruding pin that protrudes outward from the housing relative to the plurality of press-fit pins, positioning the wiring board. The wiring board has a connector positioning hole that engages with the protruding pin of the connector. The upper clamping unit is configured such that, when the connector is pressed relative to the wiring board disposed on the lower clamping unit, the connector is configured such that the protruding pin in the connector first contacts the opening edge of the connector positioning hole of the wiring board.

7. A connector assembly method comprising assembling the connector on the wiring substrate by pressing and engaging a plurality of press-fit pins of a connector having a plurality of press-fit pins and a housing holding the plurality of press-fit pins into the plurality of through holes in a wiring substrate having a plurality of through holes and a plurality of substrate positioning holes, the connector assembly method being characterized by comprising: In the first stroke, the wiring board is supported from below in a manner that allows it to move on a horizontal plane, and the first pin of the positioning pin is engaged with the plurality of positioning holes of the wiring board respectively, thereby positioning the wiring board on the horizontal plane and thus placing the wiring board on the lower clamping unit. In the second stroke, the connector is disposed on the upper clamping unit, which is capable of moving in the vertical direction relative to the lower clamping unit; In the third stroke, after the first stroke and the second stroke, when the upper clamping unit is lowered just before the connector is about to contact the wiring substrate, the positioning pin is displaced so that the first pin portion of the positioning pin is outside the positioning hole of the substrate, and the second pin portion of the positioning pin, which is smaller in shape than the first pin portion of the positioning pin, is inside the positioning hole of the substrate. as well as In the fourth stroke, after the third stroke, the lower clamping unit presses the upper clamping unit to press the plurality of press-fit pins of the connector into the plurality of through holes of the wiring board.

8. The connector assembly method according to claim 7, characterized in that, have: In the fifth stroke, after the fourth stroke, the positioning pin is displaced so that the first pin portion of the positioning pin is located within the positioning hole of the substrate. as well as In the sixth stroke, after the fifth stroke, the wiring board with the connector assembled on it is removed from the lower clamp unit and transported.

9. The connector assembly method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The connector has a resin protruding pin that protrudes outward from the housing relative to the plurality of press-fit pins, positioning the wiring board. The wiring board has a connector positioning hole that engages with the protruding pin of the connector. The fourth stroke causes the protruding pin in the connector to first contact the opening edge of the connector positioning hole on the wiring board.

Images