A clamping device for electronic connector assembly

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of clamping devices for electronic connector assembly, it is related to the technical field of electronic component automation assembly.The device includes pedestal, terminal clamping mechanism and terminal bottom end limit block.Terminal clamping mechanism includes two groups of transmission belt components that cooperate with each other, two groups of transmission belt components are arranged in parallel, and the opposite side of two transmission belts forms linear clamping area;Transmission belt outer side wall is provided with clamping groove, and the clamping hole for clamping connector terminal is formed in clamping area enclosure.The terminal bottom end limit block is fixed on pedestal and located below transmission belt, for the limiting support of the bottom of connector terminal inserted into clamping hole.The utility model realizes the continuous conveying and accurate positioning of small terminal by flexible transmission belt clamping groove cooperation, provides rigid support when assembling through the limit block below, and finished product can be automatically released without stripping mechanism, improve assembly accuracy and efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automated assembly equipment for electronic components, and more specifically, to a clamping device for assembling electronic connectors. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing process of electronic connectors, automated assembly is a crucial step, typically involving the precise insertion of multiple metal connector terminals into the holes of a plastic connector base. With the development of electronic products, connector terminals are becoming increasingly precise and densely packed. Existing terminal assembly equipment often faces the following technical bottlenecks:

[0003] Lack of effective flexible continuous conveying mechanisms: Traditional chain plate or rigid clamps are difficult to adapt to the flexible clamping of small terminals, which can easily damage the terminals and make it difficult to achieve continuous flow operation from loading, assembly to unloading.

[0004] Assembly depth is difficult to guarantee: When using conventional belts or clamps to transport terminals, when the upper connector base is pressed down into the terminal, due to the lack of an effective bottom support structure, the terminal is prone to sliding and shifting downward under the action of friction, resulting in inconsistent insertion depth and affecting the product qualification rate.

[0005] Complex demolding release mechanism: After assembly, in order to remove the finished product from the fixture, a complex ejection or opening and closing mechanism is often required, which increases the complexity of the equipment and maintenance costs.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a clamping device that can flexibly and securely hold and continuously transport tiny terminals, provide reliable bottom assembly support, and enable automatic and easy demolding after assembly. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention provides a clamping device for assembling electronic connectors. The device can continuously and stably clamp the connector terminals, provide effective support during the assembly process, and achieve automatic demolding and release after assembly.

[0008] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0009] A clamping device for assembling electronic connectors, comprising:

[0010] Base;

[0011] A terminal clamping mechanism, mounted on the base, includes two sets of cooperating conveyor belt assemblies; each set of conveyor belt assemblies includes a driving wheel and a driven wheel rotatably mounted on the base, and a conveyor belt wound between the driving wheel and the driven wheel;

[0012] The terminal bottom limiting block is fixedly mounted on the base and located below the conveyor belt;

[0013] The two sets of conveyor belt assemblies are arranged in parallel, and a straight clamping area is formed on the opposite side of the two conveyor belts; the outer side wall of the conveyor belt is provided with a number of clamping grooves at intervals along its length direction. In the clamping area, the clamping grooves on the two conveyor belts are fitted together one by one to form a clamping hole for clamping the connector terminal.

[0014] The terminal bottom limiting block is provided corresponding to the clamping area and is used to limit and support the bottom of the connector terminal inserted into the clamping hole.

[0015] Furthermore, the conveyor belt assembly also includes a first shaping plate and a second shaping plate; the first shaping plate and the second shaping plate are rigid straight plate structures, installed on the base, and respectively abut against the inner wall of the two conveyor belts on the side opposite to the clamping groove in the clamping area; the first shaping plate and the second shaping plate are used to abut against the conveyor belts, so that the two conveyor belts remain in contact in the clamping area.

[0016] Furthermore, the height of the first shaping plate and the second shaping plate is higher than the height of the conveyor belt; when the connector base is sleeved on the connector terminal, the upper edges of the first shaping plate and the second shaping plate are used to support or limit the connector base.

[0017] Furthermore, the first shaping plate and the second shaping plate have grooves on the side facing the conveyor belt, and a plurality of needle rollers or rollers are arranged and installed in the grooves, with the axis of the needle rollers or rollers perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt.

[0018] Furthermore, the conveyor belt is an elastic rubber belt or a silicone belt.

[0019] Furthermore, the surfaces of the driving wheel and the driven wheel are provided with teeth, and the inner surface of the conveyor belt is provided with tooth grooves that mesh with the teeth.

[0020] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the clamping groove is V-shaped or semi-circular.

[0021] Furthermore, the terminal bottom limiting block is elongated, and its extension direction is consistent with the conveying direction of the conveyor belt, and a gap is left between the terminal bottom limiting block and the lower edge of the conveyor belt.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] (1) High efficiency and automatic demolding: Through two sets of synchronously running conveyor belts and the opening of clamping slots, the continuous conveying and positioning of terminals are realized. When the conveyor belt runs to the turning point of the driving wheel or the driven wheel, due to the bending deformation of the conveyor belt, the originally closed clamping holes automatically open and separate, so that the assembled electronic connector can automatically get out of the clamp, without the need for an additional ejection mechanism, which simplifies the equipment structure.

[0024] (2) It has stable clamping and positioning accuracy. The plastic plate abuts against the conveyor belt from the back, and the sliding friction between the conveyor belt and the plastic plate is converted into clamping force on the terminals, ensuring that the terminals in the clamping area are arranged in a strict straight line, and ensuring the alignment accuracy when assembling with the connector base.

[0025] (3) It has effective assembly support and is equipped with a terminal bottom limit block. When the connector base is pressed down into the terminal, the limit block abuts against the bottom of the terminal to prevent the terminal from moving down under force and ensures that the depth of the terminal insertion into the base is accurate.

[0026] (4) It has a protective mechanism. The design of the plastic plate being higher than the conveyor belt cleverly avoids the connector base from directly contacting the moving rubber conveyor belt, preventing the base from shifting or wearing due to friction, and also preventing the conveyor belt from being deformed by pressure, thus affecting the clamping force.

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, embodiments of this utility model are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the clamping device described in the embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of the clamping device described in the embodiment, relative to... Figure 1 Connector terminals were inserted into some of the clamp holes;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a third-view structural diagram of the clamping device described in the embodiment, relative to... Figure 2 The second molding plate was removed to reveal the layout area of ​​the terminal bottom limiting block;

[0032] Figure 4This is a fourth-view structural diagram of the clamping device described in the embodiment, relative to... Figure 2 The connector base was positioned with the mounting slot facing down, and the corresponding connector terminals were fitted one by one.

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Terminal bottom limiting block; 3. Drive wheel; 4. Conveyor belt; 5. Grip groove; 6. First shaping plate; 7. Second shaping plate; 8. Driven wheel; 9. Grip hole; 10. Connector terminal; 11. Connector base. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this utility model, but not all embodiments.

[0035] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 This utility model provides a clamping device for assembling electronic connectors, which mainly includes a base 1, a terminal bottom limiting block 2, and a terminal clamping device.

[0036] The terminal clamping device comprises two symmetrically arranged conveyor belt systems. Each system includes a driving wheel 3 and a driven wheel 8 rotatably mounted on the base 1. The driving wheel 3 is driven by a servo motor or a stepper motor (not shown in the figure) to achieve high-precision stepping control. To ensure that the two conveyor belts 4 operate in strict synchronization and to avoid the connector terminal 10 from rotating or twisting due to speed difference, preferably, the two driving wheels 3 are mechanically coupled through a gear set or the same drive shaft.

[0037] The conveyor belt 4 can be an industrial-grade polyurethane synchronous belt or a rubber synchronous belt with a certain degree of elasticity and wear resistance. Pure plastic chain plate belts (lacking elasticity and unable to clamp small terminals) or pure latex belts (excessive elongation and unable to guarantee position accuracy) should not be used.

[0038] A standard tooth profile (such as T5 or S3M tooth profile) can be provided on the inner surface of the conveyor belt 4 (one side of the contact wheel), and corresponding tooth grooves are provided on the surfaces of the driving wheel 3 and the driven wheel 8 to prevent slippage through meshing transmission. Vertical clamping grooves 5 are equally spaced along the length of the outer wall of the conveyor belt 4. The cross-sectional shape of the clamping grooves 5 is preferably V-shaped or semi-circular, and its size should be slightly smaller than the diameter or width of the connector terminal 10 to form an interference fit.

[0039] In the straight area (i.e., the clamping area) on opposite sides of the two sets of conveyor belts 4, a first shaping plate 6 and a second shaping plate 7 are respectively provided. These two shaping plates are fixed on the base 1, and the material is preferably quenched steel or high-hardness engineering plastic, and the surface is ground to reduce roughness.

[0040] The shaping plate abuts against the inner side of the conveyor belt 4. The distance between the two shaping plates is set as: (conveyor belt single-side thickness × 2) - preload. By adjusting this distance, the conveyor belt 4 can be forced to remain straight in the clamping area and provide continuous lateral extrusion force to ensure that the clamping hole 9 formed by the mating of the two clamping grooves 5 can tightly "bite" the connector terminal 10.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the height of the first shaping plate 6 and the second shaping plate 7 is designed to be higher than the upper edge of the conveyor belt 4. The purpose of this design is that when the connector base 11 is pressed into the terminal, the lower edge of the base will first contact the top surface of the shaping plate, and the rigid shaping plate will provide vertical support, thereby completely avoiding the base directly rubbing against the rubber conveyor belt 4, preventing the generation of rubber dust or causing the conveyor belt to deform.

[0042] The terminal bottom limiting block 2 is a long strip of metal installed below the two conveyor belts. It must be made of hard alloy or heat-treated die steel to withstand frequent impacts. The terminal bottom limiting block 2 is located below the conveyor belts, with a gap between it and the lower edge of the conveyor belts to avoid interfering with their operation. Its top surface is precision ground to serve as the vertical reference surface for all connector terminals 10.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, the first shaping plate 6 and the second shaping plate 7 can be further improved. Specifically, a groove is formed on the side of the shaping plate facing the conveyor belt 4, and a plurality of miniature needle rollers or slender rollers are densely arranged within the groove. The axes of these needle rollers are perpendicular to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt (i.e., the needle rollers are arranged vertically). When the conveyor belt 4 moves, the back of the conveyor belt contacts the needle rollers, converting sliding friction into rolling friction. This design greatly reduces the coefficient of friction, allowing for the application of greater lateral clamping force (to clamp heavier or longer terminals) without significantly increasing the wear of the conveyor belt and the load on the drive motor, thus extending the service life of the equipment.

[0044] The working process of this device is as follows:

[0045] 1. Terminal feeding:

[0046] The drive motor drives the conveyor belt 4. The robotic arm or cam feeding mechanism places a single or a row of connector terminals 10 into the clamping groove 5, which is not yet closed or has just entered the straight section. At this time, the bottom end of the terminal is in a suspended state without contacting the terminal bottom limit block 2.

[0047] 2. Clamping and Alignment:

[0048] As the conveyor belt 4 moves backward into the clamping range of the two shaping plates, the conveyor belt 4 is compressed and deformed, the clamping holes 9 contract, and tightly clamp the connector terminals 10. At this time, the connector terminals 10 are forced to be aligned in a straight line.

[0049] 3. Base assembly:

[0050] Conveyor belt 4 pauses or runs at low speed to the assembly station. At this time, the bottom of connector terminal 10 is suspended directly above the terminal bottom limiting block 2. The assembly robot grabs connector base 11, aligns its terminal hole with connector terminal 10, and presses it vertically downward.

[0051] During the downward pressing process, the connector terminal 10 tends to move downward under force, but its bottom immediately abuts against the upper surface of the terminal bottom limiting block 2, thus being held in place. This ensures that the insertion depth of the connector terminal into the base is precise and consistent. At the same time, the lower edge of the connector base 11 finally rests on the top surface of the molding plate to prevent overpressure.

[0052] The assembled connector assembly continues to move backward with the conveyor belt. When it reaches the arc turn of the driven wheel, the conveyor belt 4 bends along the contour, and the outer clamping groove 5 naturally opens (forming an "8" shaped opening), disassembling the clamping hole 9. At this point, the connector terminal 10 is no longer under force, and the assembled finished product can be easily removed or naturally fall into the receiving box.

[0053] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A clamping device for assembling electronic connectors, characterized in that, include: Base (1); The terminal clamping mechanism is mounted on the base (1) and includes two sets of cooperating conveyor belt assemblies; each set of conveyor belt assemblies includes a drive wheel (3) and a driven wheel (8) rotatably mounted on the base (1), and a conveyor belt (4) wound between the drive wheel (3) and the driven wheel (8). Terminal bottom limiting block (2) is fixedly set on the base (1) and located below the conveyor belt (4); Among them, the two sets of conveyor belt assemblies are arranged in parallel, and the two conveyor belts (4) form a straight clamping area on opposite sides; the outer side wall of the conveyor belt (4) is provided with a number of clamping grooves (5) spaced apart along its length direction. In the clamping area, the clamping grooves (5) on the two conveyor belts (4) are fitted together one by one to form a clamping hole (9) for clamping the connector terminal (10). The terminal bottom limiting block (2) is provided corresponding to the clamping area and is used to limit and support the bottom of the connector terminal (10) inserted into the clamping hole (9).

2. The clamping device for assembling electronic connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt assembly further includes a first shaping plate (6) and a second shaping plate (7); the first shaping plate (6) and the second shaping plate (7) are rigid straight plate structures, installed on the base (1), and respectively abut against the inner wall of the two conveyor belts (4) on the side of the clamping area opposite to the clamping groove (5); the first shaping plate (6) and the second shaping plate (7) are used to abut against the conveyor belts (4) so ​​that the two conveyor belts (4) remain in contact in the clamping area.

3. A clamping device for assembling electronic connectors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The height of the first shaping plate (6) and the second shaping plate (7) is higher than the height of the conveyor belt (4); when the connector base (11) is sleeved on the connector terminal (10), the upper edges of the first shaping plate (6) and the second shaping plate (7) are used to support or limit the connector base (11).

4. A clamping device for assembling electronic connectors according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first shaping plate (6) and the second shaping plate (7) have grooves on the side facing the conveyor belt (4), and a plurality of needle rollers or rollers are arranged and installed in the grooves. The axis of the needle rollers or rollers is perpendicular to the movement direction of the conveyor belt (4).

5. A clamping device for assembling electronic connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor belt (4) is an elastic rubber belt or a silicone belt.

6. A clamping device for assembling electronic connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surfaces of the driving wheel (3) and the driven wheel (8) are provided with toothed patterns, and the inner surface of the conveyor belt (4) is provided with toothed grooves that mesh with the toothed patterns.

7. A clamping device for assembling electronic connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the groove (5) is V-shaped or semi-circular.

8. A clamping device for assembling electronic connectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal bottom limiting block (2) is long and its extension direction is consistent with the conveying direction of the conveyor belt (4), and there is a gap between the terminal bottom limiting block (2) and the lower edge of the conveyor belt (4).

Images