Flat cable plug shell detection equipment and method
By designing a cable connector testing device, the problems of poor connector quality and position in the existing technology were solved, realizing automated connector insertion and testing, and improving assembly efficiency and quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing wiring harness connectors cannot guarantee connector quality and position, and lack detection capabilities.
A ribbon cable connector testing device was designed, including a transfer device, a fixing module, and a testing module. Through an automated insertion and testing process, the device ensures the accuracy and connectivity of the terminals inserted into the connector housing.
The automation and testing of the ribbon cable connector shell have been achieved, improving assembly quality and efficiency and ensuring the quality of the connection.
Smart Images

Figure CN121763173A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of ribbon cable processing technology, specifically to a ribbon cable insert shell testing device and method. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, ribbon cables are widely used in signal transmission or power connection of computers, home appliances, communication equipment, and digital devices. The ends of the ribbon cable are pressed with terminals. The ribbon cable terminals need to be inserted into the housing to form the connector of the ribbon cable, so as to facilitate the plug-in connection between the ribbon cable and electronic equipment or electronic components.
[0003] Although existing technologies include cable insertion devices, the quality and position of the insertion shell cannot be guaranteed during the insertion process, and they do not have detection functions. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a ribbon cable housing testing device and method, enabling the installation and testing of ribbon cable housings, ensuring installation quality, and improving installation efficiency.
[0005] Specifically, this invention discloses a ribbon cable connector testing device, comprising:
[0006] frame;
[0007] A transfer device, installed on the frame, includes a first transfer module and a plug-in device for transferring the ribbon cable and inserting the terminals at both ends of the ribbon cable into the housing;
[0008] A fixing module, installed on the frame, is used to fix the plastic shell;
[0009] The detection module is used to detect the continuity at both ends of the ribbon cable.
[0010] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that it enables automatic insertion and testing of ribbon cables, ensures the quality of ribbon cable assembly, and effectively improves assembly efficiency.
[0011] Furthermore, the insertion device includes: a second transfer module, a rotating module, and end grippers. The end grippers hold both ends of the ribbon cable. The first transfer module drives the second transfer module, and the two are arranged perpendicularly. The rotating module is disposed on the second transfer module.
[0012] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that the transfer device is set up to transfer the ribbon cable, and then the terminals at both ends of the ribbon cable are inserted into the housing to ensure that the terminals are plugged in. The rotating module facilitates the docking of the entire transfer device with the upstream transfer device or equipment and clamps the two ends of the ribbon cable.
[0013] Furthermore, the rotating module includes: a rotating plate, a rotating shaft, a rotating drive component, and a clamping drive component. The rotating shaft is connected to the rotating drive component, and the rotating shaft drives the rotating plate to rotate. The clamping drive component is connected to the end gripper and is used to control the opening and closing of the end gripper.
[0014] Furthermore, the rotating plate is also provided with auxiliary grippers for gripping the terminals at both ends of the ribbon cable, and the auxiliary grippers are provided with gripping parts for gripping the terminals.
[0015] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that by setting auxiliary grippers to hold the terminals, the position of the terminals during the insertion process is guaranteed, thus ensuring the insertion quality.
[0016] Furthermore, the fixing module includes a fixing frame, a fixing plate disposed within the fixing frame, and a lower pressure plate. The fixing plate is provided with a fixing groove for fixing the plastic shell, and the lower pressure plate can move up and down to press the plastic shell tightly within the fixing groove.
[0017] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that the entire fixing module is modularly designed, which facilitates disassembly and replacement. The fixing plate is used to fix the plastic shell, and the lower pressure plate is used to press the plastic shell into the fixing groove to ensure that it will not shift during the insertion process.
[0018] Furthermore, the detection module includes: a support plate, a movable plate, a detection probe, and a fixing block. The detection probe is fixed to the fixing block, the fixing block is fixed to the movable plate, the movable plate moves along the support plate, and the detection probe contacts the terminals at both ends of the ribbon cable for detection.
[0019] Furthermore, an electrical testing instrument is mounted on the frame, and the electrical testing instrument is connected to the detection probe via an electrical wire.
[0020] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that the detection probe and electrical tester are used to detect whether the ribbon cable terminals and the inside of the ribbon cable are connected after power is applied, thus ensuring the quality of the product.
[0021] Furthermore, this invention discloses a method for detecting ribbon cable connector shells, using the ribbon cable connector shell detection equipment described in the above technical solution, comprising the following steps:
[0022] Step 1: The transfer device clamps both ends of the cable from the upstream equipment and moves the cable accordingly;
[0023] Step 2: Manually place the plastic shell into the fixed position, at which point the fixing module will secure the plastic shell.
[0024] Step 3: The connector moves the ribbon cable and inserts the terminal into the housing.
[0025] Step 4: Connect the testing device to the terminal for testing.
[0026] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that the installation of the housing and the testing of the wiring are completed through the above steps, thereby improving the installation quality and efficiency.
[0027] Furthermore, in step three, the connector uses a two-stage connector during the connector insertion process, first inserting the terminal a certain distance, and then fully inserting the terminal.
[0028] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that the two-stage plug-in design can ensure that the terminal is fully inserted into the housing, effectively guaranteeing the installation quality of the housing.
[0029] Furthermore, in step three, after the insertion device has inserted the terminal, the terminal gripper moves outward to detect the insertion quality of the terminal.
[0030] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that the terminal clamp pulls the cable after the insertion is completed, which checks the installation of the terminal and the housing and ensures that the terminal is fixed in place. Attached Figure Description
[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.
[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the cable connector testing device of the present invention.
[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the first transfer module, the second transfer module, and the rotating module of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 3 This is an enlarged view of point A in the present invention.
[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fixed module and the detection module of the present invention.
[0036] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of section B of the present invention.
[0037] Figure 6 This is a diagram of the installation structure of the detection module of the present invention.
[0038] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of point C in the present invention.
[0039] The reference numerals used in the attached figures are as follows:
[0040] Frame 1; Cable 11; Terminal 12; Housing 13; Locking block 14; First transfer module 2; Second transfer module 21; Sliding block 211; Rotating module 3; End gripper 31; Rotating plate 32; Rotating shaft 33; Rotation drive component 34; Clamping drive component 35; Auxiliary gripper 36; Telescopic plate 361; Slide cylinder 362; Detection module 4; Support plate 41; Moving plate 42; Detection probe 43; Fixing block 44; Electrical tester 5; Fixing module 6; Fixing frame 61; Fixing plate 62; Fixing groove 621; Lower pressure plate 63; Side plate 64; Lifting plate 65; Auxiliary pressure block 66; Detection camera 7; Mounting bracket 71; Receiving platform 72; Conveyor belt 8; Receiving box 81. Detailed Implementation
[0041] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention discloses a ribbon cable connector testing device, comprising:
[0043] Rack 1;
[0044] The transfer device, installed on the frame 1, includes a first transfer module 2 and a plug-in device, used to transfer the ribbon cable 11 and insert the terminals 12 at both ends of the ribbon cable 11 into the housing 13;
[0045] The fixing module 6 is installed on the frame 1 and is used to fix the plastic shell 13;
[0046] The detection module is used to detect the continuity at both ends of ribbon cable 11.
[0047] The advantage of adopting the above technical solution is that it enables automatic insertion and testing of the ribbon cable 11, ensures the assembly quality of the ribbon cable 11, and effectively improves the assembly efficiency.
[0048] Among them, such as Figure 2-3 As shown, the insertion device includes: a second transfer module 21, a rotating module 3, and an end gripper 31. The end gripper is controlled to open and close by a gripping cylinder. The end gripper 31 grips both ends of the ribbon cable 11. The first transfer module 2 drives the second transfer module 21, and the two are arranged perpendicularly. The rotating module 3 is arranged on the second transfer module 21. The first transfer module 2 is a linear module, which can be one of a synchronous belt motor module, a lead screw motor module, or a linear motor module. It is arranged along the x-axis direction. Its working principle and structure are existing technologies and will not be described here.
[0049] The second transfer module 21 adopts a lead screw motor module, with a lead screw nut connected to a sliding block 211. The entire second transfer module 21 is set along the y-axis direction, and the fixing module 6 and the detection module are set on the side of the second transfer module 21.
[0050] Furthermore, the rotating module 3 includes: a rotating plate 32, a rotating shaft 33, a rotating drive component 34, and a clamping drive component 35. The rotating shaft 33 is connected to the rotating drive component 34, and the rotating shaft 33 drives the rotating plate 32 to rotate. The clamping drive component 35 is connected to the end gripper 31 by a clamping cylinder, which is used to control the opening and closing of the end gripper 31. The rotating drive component 34 is a motor, and its main body is fixed on the sliding block 211. The upper end of the rotating shaft 33 is rotatably fixed to the bottom of the sliding block 211 and is driven to rotate by the motor. The lower end is fixedly connected to the rotating plate 32, which drives the rotating plate 32 to rotate.
[0051] Furthermore, the rotating plate 32 is also provided with auxiliary grippers 36 for gripping the terminals 12 at both ends of the ribbon cable 11. The auxiliary grippers 36 are provided with gripping parts for gripping the terminals 12. The gripping parts have multiple toothed protrusions to avoid the terminals 12 and prevent damage to the main body of the terminals 12 during the gripping process. The auxiliary grippers 36 are controlled to open and close by a gripping cylinder. The main body of the gripping cylinder is fixed on a telescopic plate 361. The telescopic plate 361 is fixed to the rotating plate 32 by a sliding cylinder 362. When the sliding cylinder 362 extends, the auxiliary grippers 36 are located on the side of the end grippers 31, close to the fixed module, for gripping the terminals 12 at both ends of the ribbon cable 11. The end grippers grip the ends of the ribbon cable 11 to ensure the position of the terminals 12 when inserted into the housing 13, effectively ensuring the insertion quality.
[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 4-5 As shown, the fixed module 6 includes a fixed frame 61, a fixed plate 62 and a lower pressure plate 63 disposed within the fixed frame 61. The fixed plate 62 is provided with a fixing groove 621 for fixing the plastic shell 13. The lower pressure plate 63 can move up and down to press the plastic shell 13 into the fixing groove 621. The fixed frame 61 has a bottom plate, a side plate 64 and a top plate. The whole assembly is fixed to the frame 1 by screws and can be disassembled as a whole to realize modular setting, which facilitates replacement and maintenance.
[0053] The fixing plate 62 is fixed to the bottom of the fixing frame 61. It is provided with multiple fixing slots 621, which are of different sizes and shapes and are arranged in pairs. The installation of the two ends of the cable 11 into the shell can be completed at one time. A lifting plate 65 is fixedly installed on the upper side of the lower pressure plate 63. A cylinder is fixed on the top of the lifting plate 65. The cylinder is vertically fixed in the frame 1 with the output end facing downward. The lifting plate 65 is fixedly connected to the output end of the cylinder. The cylinder drives the lifting plate 65 to move up and down, which in turn drives the multiple lower pressure plates 63 to move up and down. Multiple cylinders are installed on the side of the lower pressure plate 63. When the lifting plate 65 descends to the position, it drives the lower pressure plate 63 to descend and press the shell 13 tightly. The output end of the cylinder fixed on the lower pressure plate 63 is provided with an auxiliary pressing block 66. When the shell 13 body is provided with a protruding locking block 14, after the shell is inserted, the auxiliary pressing block 66 descends and presses the locking block 14 onto the shell 13, without the need for manual fixation of the locking block 14.
[0054] In some implementation schemes, such as Figure 6-7 As shown, the detection module includes: a support plate 41, a movable plate 42, a detection probe 43, and a fixing block 44. The detection probe 43 is fixed to the fixing plate 62, and the fixing block 44 is fixed on the movable plate 42. The bottom of the support plate 41 is fixedly installed in the fixing frame 61, and there are multiple support plates. The top of the support plate 41 is provided with a guide rail. There are multiple movable plates 42 that move along the guide rail. The movement of the movable plates 42 is driven by a cylinder. The position and number of detection probes 43 are set according to the number of terminals 12 at both ends of the ribbon cable 11, and they are set toward the fixing groove 621. The movable plate 42 drives the detection probes 43 to move, and the detection probes 43 contact the terminals 12 at both ends of the ribbon cable 11 for detection.
[0055] Furthermore, an electrical tester 5 is installed on the frame 1. The electrical tester 5 is connected to the probe via a wire. During testing, the electrical tester 5 is powered on to detect whether the terminal 12 and the internal ribbon cable 11 are connected, thus ensuring the quality of the ribbon cable 11.
[0056] In some implementations, before insertion, a detection assembly is provided on the frame 1, including a detection camera 7, a mounting bracket 71, and a receiving platform 72. The receiving platform 72 is fixed on the frame 1, and the detection camera 7 is mounted on the mounting bracket 71. The end gripper 31 places the end of the ribbon cable 11 on the receiving platform 72. The detection camera 7 is an industrial camera, which takes pictures and uploads them. The industrial control computer in the equipment compares the uploaded photos with good product photos to detect the installation quality of the terminal 12 before insertion.
[0057] In some implementations, the frame 1 is also provided with a conveyor belt 8 located below the end gripper 31, and a receiving box 81 is provided on the side of the frame 1. The cable 11 of the good product will fall onto the conveyor belt 8 and then be collected through the receiving box 81.
[0058] This invention discloses a method for detecting the connector shell of a ribbon cable 11, using the ribbon cable 11 connector shell detection device described above, comprising the following steps:
[0059] Step 1: The transfer device clamps both ends of the ribbon cable 11 from the upstream equipment and moves the ribbon cable 11. In this step, two independently moving end grippers 31 clamp both ends of the ribbon cable 11 respectively. This process can be carried out with the cooperation of the first transfer module 2, the second transfer module 21 and the rotating module 3. After clamping, the ribbon cable 11 is moved so that the terminal 12 on the ribbon cable 11 faces the fixed position of the housing 13. At this time, the auxiliary gripper 36 moves to clamp the terminal 12 to ensure the position of the terminal 12.
[0060] Step 2: Manually place the plastic shell 13 into the fixed position. At this time, the lower pressure plate 63 descends to fix the plastic shell 13.
[0061] Step 3: The connector moves the ribbon cable 11 and inserts the terminal 12 into the housing 13. During this process, the second transfer module 21 moves the end gripper 31 and the auxiliary gripper 36 to insert the terminal 12 into the housing 13.
[0062] Step 4: Connect the testing device to terminal 12 for testing. Power on the electrical tester 5 to test whether terminal 12 and cable 11 are connected. Determine whether it is a good product and record the result. If it is a good product, it is transferred through the conveyor belt 8. If it is a defective product, it is removed manually.
[0063] Furthermore, in step three, the insertion device adopts a two-stage insertion process during the insertion process. First, the terminal 12 is inserted a certain distance, and then the terminal 12 is fully inserted. The initial insertion distance can be 3-5mm. After insertion, the auxiliary clamp is released and moved back, and then the terminal clamp inserts the terminal again to ensure that the terminal 12 is inserted in place.
[0064] Compared to a single-connection method, a two-stage connection ensures that terminal 12 is fully inserted into housing 13, effectively guaranteeing the installation quality of the housing.
[0065] In addition, in step three, after the insertion device inserts the terminal 12, the terminal 12 gripper moves outward to detect the insertion quality of the terminal 12. The insertion and extraction force of the ribbon cable 11 is controlled by the servo motor of the second transfer module 21. The insertion and extraction speed, formation and other parameters are set to realize the installation quality detection of the ribbon cable 11 housing 13.
[0066] For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A ribbon cable connector shell testing device, characterized in that, include: Rack (1); The transfer device, installed on the frame (1), includes a first transfer module (2) and a plug-in device for transferring the ribbon cable (11) and inserting the terminals at both ends of the ribbon cable into the housing (13); A fixing module (6) is installed on the frame (1) to fix the plastic shell (13). The detection module (4) is used to detect the continuity at both ends of the ribbon cable (11).
2. The ribbon cable connector testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plug-in device includes: a second transfer module (21), a rotating module (3) and an end gripper (31). The end gripper (31) clamps both ends of the ribbon cable (11). The first transfer module (2) drives the second transfer module (21) and the two are arranged perpendicularly. The rotating module (3) is arranged on the second transfer module (21).
3. The ribbon cable connector testing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rotating module (3) includes: a rotating plate (32), a rotating shaft (33), a rotating drive (34), and a clamping drive (35). The rotating shaft (33) is connected to the rotating drive (34), and the rotating shaft (33) drives the rotating plate (32) to rotate. The clamping drive (35) is connected to the end gripper (31) and is used to control the opening and closing of the end gripper (31).
4. The ribbon cable connector testing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The rotating plate (32) is also provided with auxiliary grippers (36) for gripping the terminals (12) at both ends of the ribbon cable (11). The auxiliary grippers (36) are provided with gripping parts for gripping the terminals (12).
5. The ribbon cable connector testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed module (6) includes a fixed frame (61), a fixed plate (62) and a lower pressure plate (63) disposed in the fixed frame (61). The fixed plate (62) is provided with a fixing groove (621) for fixing the plastic shell (13). The lower pressure plate (63) can move up and down to press the plastic shell (13) into the fixing groove (621).
6. The ribbon cable connector testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection module (4) includes: a support plate (41), a moving plate (42), a detection probe (43) and a fixing block (44). The detection probe (43) is fixed to the fixing block (44), and the fixing block (44) is fixed on the moving plate (42). The moving plate (42) moves along the support plate (41), and the detection probe (43) contacts the terminals (12) at both ends of the ribbon cable (11) for detection.
7. The ribbon cable connector testing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, An electrical tester (5) is installed on the frame (1), and the electrical tester (5) is connected to the detection probe (43) by wires.
8. A method for testing ribbon cable connector shells, characterized in that, The ribbon cable connector testing device according to any one of claims 1-7 includes the following steps: Step 1: The transfer device clamps both ends of the cable (11) from the upstream equipment and moves the cable (11) accordingly; Step 2: Manually place the plastic shell (13) into a fixed position, at which time the fixing module (6) fixes the plastic shell (13); Step 3: The plug-in device moves the ribbon cable (11) and inserts the terminal (12) into the housing (13); Step 4: Connect the testing device to the terminal (12) for testing.
9. The ribbon cable connector testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, In step three, the plug-in device adopts a two-stage plug-in process during the plug-in process. First, the terminal (12) is inserted a certain distance, and then the terminal (12) is fully inserted.
10. The ribbon cable connector testing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, In step three, after the insertion device inserts the terminal (12), the terminal (12) gripper moves outward to detect the insertion quality of the terminal (12).