Terminal carrier and connector assembling device

Abstract

To provide a terminal carrier capable of ensuring that a terminal is efficiently and accurately inserted into the socket of a housing, thereby reducing the scrap rate of terminal insertion, and improving the assembly quality of a connector.SOLUTION: A terminal carrier 1 includes: a fixture 11 used for clamping an electric connecting member 101 connected with a terminal 10; and a moving component 12 movably mounted on the fixture and capable of moving between an initial position and an end position along the longitudinal direction Y relative to the fixture. A guide groove suitable for being fit with the terminal is formed in the moving component, and the guide groove is used for positioning and guiding the terminal to be inserted into a housing in the longitudinal direction. When the moving component is located at the initial position, the terminal is positioned in the guide groove. When the moving component is moved from the initial position to the end position, the terminal gradually extends out of the guide groove so as to allow the terminal to be gradually inserted into the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202410587328.1, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on May 11, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a terminal carrier and a connector assembly device including the terminal carrier. [Background technology]

[0003] In the prior art, when assembling a connector with a flexible printed circuit (FPC) or flexible flat cable (FFC), the terminals to be crimped onto the FPC or FFC are typically manually inserted one by one into the sockets of the housing. During the terminal insertion process, each terminal on the flexible printed circuit or flexible flat cable must be aligned with the corresponding socket on the housing, and the insertion force and insertion depth of the terminal must be controlled by feel. Current manual terminal insertion solutions suffer from inefficiency, low accuracy, and high scrap rates. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention has been made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the above disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a terminal carrier. The terminal carrier includes a fixture used to clamp electrical connection members connected to the terminals, and a moving part movably attached to the fixture and movable longitudinally relative to the fixture between an initial position and a final position. A guide groove suitable for fitting with the terminal is formed in the moving part, and the guide groove is used to position and guide the terminal to be inserted into the housing longitudinally. When the moving part is in the initial position, the terminal is positioned in the guide groove, and while the moving part is moving from the initial position to the final position, the terminal gradually extends from the guide groove, allowing the terminal to be gradually inserted into the housing.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving part is configured to move rearward along the longitudinal direction from an initial position to a final position by being pushed by a housing carrier on which the housing is loaded.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrical connection member is a flexible printed circuit or a flexible flat cable, and the terminal carrier further comprises a push pin configured to abut the stepped portion of the terminal along the longitudinal direction, ensuring that the terminal cannot move backward during insertion into the housing.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fixture includes an upper clamp block and a lower clamp block that are vertically opposed to each other, the upper clamp block and the lower clamp block having opposite longitudinal ends and opposite lateral ends, one side of the upper clamp block and one side of the lower clamp block being rotatably connected, and the upper clamp block can be rotated relative to the lower clamp block between a closed position for clamping an electrical connection member and an open position for releasing the electrical connection member.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, mounting holes are formed on one side of the upper clamp block and one side of the lower clamp block, respectively, and the upper clamp block and the lower clamp block are rotatably connected by a pivot inserted into the mounting holes.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving parts include an upper moving part and a lower moving part, the upper moving part is fixedly attached to the upper clamp block and is rotatable together with the upper clamp block, the lower moving part is fixedly attached to the lower clamp block, the guide grooves include an upper row of guide grooves formed in the upper moving part and a lower row of guide grooves formed in the lower moving part, the push pins include an upper row of push pins attached to the upper clamp block and a lower row of push pins attached to the lower clamp block, the upper row of guide grooves and the lower row of guide grooves are used to position and guide the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals, respectively, and the upper row of push pins and the lower row of push pins are used to abut the step portions of the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals, respectively, so that the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals can be inserted into the housing simultaneously.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the upper clamp block is rotated to the closed position, the upper moving part rotates to an assembly position where it engages with the lower moving part, ensuring that the upper moving part and the lower moving part can move synchronously along the longitudinal direction.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper moving part includes an upper mounting plate movably attached to the top of the upper clamp block, an upper base body connected to the front end of the upper mounting plate and having an upper row of guide grooves, and the lower moving part includes a lower mounting plate movably attached to the bottom of the lower clamp block, and a lower base body connected to the front end of the lower mounting plate and having a lower row of guide grooves.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an upper slide rail extending along the longitudinal direction is fixed to one of the upper mounting plate and the upper clamp block, and an upper slider slidably engaged with the upper slide rail is fixed to the other, and a lower slide rail extending along the longitudinal direction is fixed to one of the lower mounting plate and the lower clamp block, and a lower slider slidably engaged with the lower slide rail is fixed to the other.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving part further includes a partition plate extending along the lateral direction and fixed to the upper base body or the lower base body, and the partition plate is inserted between the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals to ensure that the spacing between the upper row of terminals and the lower row of terminals is equal to a predetermined spacing.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal carrier further comprises a return spring, which is compressed along the longitudinal direction between the fixture and the moving part and is used to return the moving part from the final position to the initial position.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the return spring includes an upper return spring compressed along the longitudinal direction between the upper clamp block and the upper seat, and a lower return spring compressed along the longitudinal direction between the lower clamp block and the lower seat, an upper positioning hole is formed in the upper clamp block, one end of the upper return spring is received in the upper positioning hole while the other end is pressed against the rear side of the upper seat, and a lower positioning hole is formed in the lower clamp block, one end of the lower return spring is received in the lower positioning hole while the other end is pressed against the rear side of the lower seat.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal carrier further comprises a fixed seat for fixing the lower clamp block, wherein the vertical fixed parts are respectively connected to both sides of the lower clamp block, the vertical fixed parts are fixed to the fixed seat, and the lower moving part is suspended above the fixed seat by the fixed part.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the moving part is in an initial position, the terminal is positioned in the guide groove, and the front end of the terminal extends from the guide groove so that the front end of the terminal can be pre-inserted into the housing.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly device comprising: the above-mentioned terminal carrier used for loading terminals; a housing carrier used for loading a housing; and a drive device for driving the housing carrier to move along a longitudinal direction. The guide grooves of the moving part are aligned along the longitudinal direction with the sockets of the housing to guide the terminals inserted into the sockets of the housing along the longitudinal direction, and while the moving part is pushed by the housing carrier from an initial position to a final position, the terminals gradually extend from the guide grooves of the moving part and are gradually inserted into the housing.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing carrier includes a positioning seat having a positioning slot formed therein for fitting with the housing, a slot hole communicating with the positioning slot formed in one side wall of the positioning seat, a first pushing member movably mounted in the slot hole and movable along a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a first driving device mounted on one side of the positioning seat, connected to the first pushing member, and used to drive the first pushing member to move along the lateral direction. The first pushing member is used to push the housing along the lateral direction, so that the housing is clamped and fixed between the first pushing member and the other side wall of the positioning seat in the lateral direction.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positioning slot has front and rear openings opposite to each other in the longitudinal direction, and a positioning step is formed inside the front opening of the positioning slot, the positioning step being configured to abut against the periphery of the front end surface of the housing along the longitudinal direction. The housing carrier further includes a second pushing member movably mounted to the rear opening of the positioning slot and movable along the longitudinal direction, and a second driving device mounted to the rear side of the positioning seat, connected to the second pushing member, and used to drive the second pushing member to move along the longitudinal direction. The second pushing member is used to push the housing along the longitudinal direction, so that the housing is clamped and fixed longitudinally between the second pushing member and the positioning step of the positioning seat.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positioning slot has a bottom wall and an upper opening opposite in the height direction, and the housing carrier further includes: a top plate fixed to the upper part of the second pushing member and having a vertical through hole formed therein; a support post fixedly inserted into the vertical through hole of the top plate and having a blind hole formed therein with an open lower end; a sphere attached to the blind hole and partially protruding from the opening of the blind hole; and an elastic element compressed between the upper wall of the blind hole and the sphere and used to apply a vertical pressing force to the sphere. The sphere is used to press the housing downward along the height direction, and therefore the housing is clamped and fixed between the sphere and the bottom wall of the positioning slot in the height direction.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a first pin hole extending along the lateral direction is formed in the positioning seat, a second pin hole is formed in the second pushing member, and the housing carrier further includes a locking pin movably mounted in the first pin hole, and a third driving device mounted on one side of the positioning seat, connected to the locking pin, and used to drive the locking pin to move along the lateral direction. When the second pushing member moves to a predetermined position to longitudinally clamp and fix the housing, the first pin hole and the second pin hole are aligned in the lateral direction, and the locking pin is inserted into the second pin hole to lock the second pushing member in position.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the housing carrier further includes a base plate to which the positioning seat is fixed, a bottom seat to which the base plate is movably attached, the bottom seat having a rear sidewall opposite to the rear side surface of the base plate, and a force sensor clamped between the rear side surface of the base plate and the rear sidewall of the bottom seat to detect an insertion force of the terminals into the housing. The drive device is connected to the bottom seat to drive the housing carrier to move along the longitudinal direction, and the drive device stops driving the housing carrier when the insertion force detected by the force sensor is greater than a predetermined insertion force.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly device further comprises a detection device used to detect whether the terminals are inserted into the predetermined mounting positions of the housing.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the detection device includes a visual detection device that is used to capture an image of the secondary locking slot of the housing from one side of the housing and determine whether the terminal is inserted in the predetermined mounting position based on the captured image of the secondary locking slot. When the terminal is not visible in the captured image of the secondary locking slot, the visual detection device determines that the terminal is inserted in the predetermined mounting position. When the terminal is visible in the captured image of the secondary locking slot, the visual detection device determines that the terminal is not inserted in the predetermined mounting position.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the detection device further includes a probe detection device. The probe detection device includes a probe suitable for insertion into the housing at a predetermined depth and a detection circuit electrically connected to the probe and the terminals. When the probe is inserted into the housing at the predetermined depth and is in electrical contact with the front ends of the terminals, the detection circuit is in an on state, and the probe detection device determines that the terminals are inserted into the predetermined mounting position. When the probe is inserted into the housing at the predetermined depth and is not in contact with the front ends of the terminals, the detection circuit is in an off state, and the probe detection device determines that the terminals are not inserted into the predetermined mounting position.

[0028] In the above exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the terminal carrier can ensure that the terminals are efficiently and accurately inserted into the sockets of the housing, reducing the scrap rate of terminal insertion and improving the assembly quality of the connector.

[0029] These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a terminal carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a moving part in an initial position relative to a fixture; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a terminal carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the moving part moving rearwardly to a final position relative to the fixture; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a terminal carrier and housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving parts in an initial position; [Figure 4] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a terminal carrier and housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the moving part in an initial position and the front ends of the terminals pre-inserted into the housing; FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a terminal carrier and housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part pushed into a final position by the housing carrier and the terminals inserted into the housing; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is an illustrative exploded top view of a terminal carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with moving parts in an initial position; FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is another illustrative exploded top view of a terminal carrier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with moving parts in an initial position; FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is an illustrative exploded view from below of a terminal carrier in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with moving parts in an initial position; FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a housing carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a housing positioned in a locating slot of a locating seat. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a housing carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a housing not yet placed in the locating slot of the locating seat. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a housing carrier according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a housing positioned in a locating slot of a locating seat. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a side view of a housing and terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the terminals not yet inserted into the housing; [Figure 13]1 is a side view of a housing and terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the terminals inserted into a predetermined mounting position in the housing. [Figure 14] 1 is a side view of a housing and terminals according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the terminals not inserted into a predetermined mounting position in the housing. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a connector and probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the probe not yet inserted into the housing. [Figure 16] 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a connector and probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the probe inserted to a predetermined depth in the housing and making electrical contact with the front ends of the terminals in the housing. [Figure 17] 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a connector and probe according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the probe inserted to a predetermined depth in the housing and not contacting the front ends of the terminals in the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0032] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are diagrammatically shown to simplify the drawings.

[0033] According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a terminal carrier comprising: a fixture used for clamping electrical connection members connected to the terminals; and a movable part movably attached to the fixture and movable longitudinally relative to the fixture between an initial position and a final position. A guide groove suitable for fitting with the terminal is formed in the movable part, and the guide groove is used to position and guide the terminal to be inserted into the housing longitudinally. When the movable part is in the initial position, the terminal is positioned in the guide groove. While the movable part is moving from the initial position to the final position, the terminal gradually extends from the guide groove, allowing the terminal to be gradually inserted into the housing.

[0034] According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly device comprising the above-mentioned terminal carrier used for loading terminals, a housing carrier used for loading a housing, and a drive device for driving the housing carrier to move along a longitudinal direction, wherein the guide grooves of the moving part are aligned along the longitudinal direction with the sockets of the housing to guide the terminals inserted into the sockets of the housing along the longitudinal direction, and while the moving part is pushed by the housing carrier from an initial position to a final position, the terminals gradually extend from the guide grooves of the moving part and are gradually inserted into the housing.

[0035] Fig. 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part 12 in an initial position relative to the fixture 11. Fig. 2 is an illustrative perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part 12 having moved rearward to a final position relative to the fixture 11. Fig. 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 and a housing 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part 12 in the initial position. Fig. 4 is an illustrative perspective view of a terminal carrier 1 and a housing 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part 12 in the initial position and with the front ends 10f of the terminals 10 pre-inserted into the housing 20. Figure 5 is an illustrative perspective view of the terminal carrier 1 and housing 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part 12 pushed to a final position by the housing carrier 2 and the terminals 10 inserted into the housing 20. Figure 6 is an illustrative exploded view from above of the terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part 12 in an initial position. Figure 7 is another illustrative exploded view from above of the terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part 12 in an initial position. Figure 8 is an illustrative exploded view from below of the terminal carrier 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the moving part 12 in an initial position.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 , a terminal carrier 1 is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The terminal carrier 1 includes a fixture 11 and a moving part 12. The fixture 11 is used to clamp an electrical connection member 101 connected to a terminal 10. The electrical connection member 101 may be a wire harness or a circuit board used to transmit an electrical signal. The moving part 12 is movably attached to the fixture 11 and is movable relative to the fixture 11 along the longitudinal direction Y between an initial position (the position shown in FIG. 1 ) and a final position (the position shown in FIG. 2 ). A guide groove 121 suitable for fitting with the terminal 10 is formed in the moving part 12. The guide groove 121 is used to position and guide the terminal 10 along the longitudinal direction Y to be inserted into the housing 20. When the moving part 12 is in the initial position, the terminal 10 is positioned in the guide slot 121. When the moving part 12 moves from the initial position to the final position, the terminal 10 gradually extends from the guide groove 121, allowing the terminal 10 to be gradually inserted into the housing 20.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the moving part 12 is configured to move backward from an initial position to a final position along the longitudinal direction Y by being pushed by a housing carrier 2 (see Figures 9 and 10) in which a housing 20 is loaded.

[0038] 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the electrical connection member 101 is a flexible printed circuit or a flexible flat cable. The terminal carrier 1 further includes a push pin 13 configured to abut against the step portion 10c of the terminal 10 along the longitudinal direction Y, to ensure that the terminal 10 does not move backward during the process of being inserted forward into the housing 20. It should be noted that when the electrical connection member 101 is a hard cable or a hard circuit board, the push pin 13 is not required.

[0039] 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the fixture 11 includes an upper clamp block 11a and a lower clamp block 11b that face each other in the height direction Z. The upper clamp block 11a and the lower clamp block 11b have opposite ends in the longitudinal direction Y and opposite ends in the lateral direction X. One side of the upper clamp block 11a and one side of the lower clamp block 11b are rotatably connected, and therefore the upper clamp block 11a can be rotated relative to the lower clamp block 11b between a closed position that clamps the electrical connection member 101 and an open position that releases the electrical connection member 101.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, mounting holes 110 are formed on one side of the upper clamp block 11a and one side of the lower clamp block 11b, and the upper clamp block 11a and the lower clamp block 11b are rotatably connected to each other by a pivot shaft 11d inserted into the mounting holes 110.

[0041] 1-8, in the illustrated embodiment, moving parts 12 include an upper moving part 12a and a lower moving part 12b. Upper moving part 12a is fixedly attached to upper clamp block 11a and is rotatable therewith, and lower moving part 12b is fixedly attached to lower clamp block 11b. The guide grooves 121 include an upper row of guide grooves 121a formed in the upper moving part 12a and a lower row of guide grooves 121b formed in the lower moving part 12b. The push pins 13 include an upper row of push pins 13a attached to the upper clamp block 11a and a lower row of push pins 13b attached to the lower clamp block 11b. The upper row of guide grooves 121a and the lower row of guide grooves 121b are used to position and guide the upper row of terminals 10a and the lower row of terminals 10b, respectively. The upper row of pins 13a and the lower row of pins 13b are used to abut against the step portions 10c of the upper row of terminals 10a and the step portions 10c of the lower row of terminals 10b, respectively, thereby allowing the upper row of terminals 10a and the lower row of terminals 10b to be inserted into the housing 20 simultaneously.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, when the upper clamp block 11a is rotated to the closed position, the upper moving part 12a is rotated to an assembly position where it engages with the lower moving part 12b, ensuring that the upper moving part 12a and the lower moving part 12b can move synchronously along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper moving part 12a includes an upper mounting plate 122a and an upper base 120a. The upper mounting plate 122a is movably attached to the upper part of the upper clamp block 11a. The front end of the upper base 120a is connected to the upper mounting plate 122a, and an upper row of guide grooves 121a is formed therein. The lower moving part 12b includes a lower mounting plate 122b and a lower base 120b. The lower mounting plate 122b is movably attached to the bottom of the lower clamp block 11b. The lower base 120b is connected to the front end 10f of the lower mounting plate 122b, and a lower row of guide grooves 121b is formed therein.

[0044] 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, an upper slide rail 123a extending along the longitudinal direction Y is fixed to one of the upper mounting plate 122a and the upper clamp block 11a, and an upper slider 113a slidably engaged with the upper slide rail 123a is fixed to the other. A lower slide rail 123b extending along the longitudinal direction Y is fixed to one of the lower mounting plate 122b and the lower clamp block 11b, and a lower slider 113b slidably engaged with the lower slide rail 123b is fixed to the other.

[0045] 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the moving part 12 further includes a partition plate 124 extending along the lateral direction X and fixed to the upper base body 120a or the lower base body 120b. The partition plate 124 is inserted between the upper row of terminals 10a and the lower row of terminals 10b to ensure that the interval between the upper row of terminals 10a and the lower row of terminals 10b is equal to a predetermined interval.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal carrier 1 further includes a return spring 14, which is compressed along the longitudinal direction Y between the fixing device 11 and the moving part 12 to return the moving part 12 from the final position to the initial position.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the return spring 14 includes an upper return spring 14a and a lower return spring 14b. The upper return spring 14a is compressed in the longitudinal direction Y between the upper clamp block 11a and the upper seat 120a. The lower return spring 14b is compressed in the longitudinal direction Y between the lower clamp block 11b and the lower seat 120b. An upper positioning hole 11a is formed in the upper clamp block 11a, and one end of the upper return spring 14a is received in the upper positioning hole 11a, while the other end is pressed against the rear side of the upper seat 120a. A lower positioning hole 111b is formed in the lower clamp block 11b, and one end of the lower return spring 14b is received in the lower positioning hole 111b, while the other end is pressed against the rear side of the lower seat 120b.

[0048] 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal carrier 1 further includes a fixed seat (not shown) for fixing the lower clamp block 11b, and the fixed seat is configured to be fixed to a frame (not shown). Vertical fixed parts 11c are connected to both sides of the lower clamp block 11b and fixed to the fixed seat. The lower moving part 12b is suspended above the fixed seat by the fixed parts 11c so as not to affect the movement of the lower moving part 12b.

[0049] As shown in Figures 1 to 8, in the illustrated embodiment, when the moving part 12 is in the initial position, the terminal 10 is positioned in the guide groove 121, and the front end 10f of the terminal 10 extends from the guide groove 12, allowing the front end 10f of the terminal 10 to be pre-inserted into the housing 20.

[0050] Figure 9 is an illustrative perspective view of a housing carrier 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a housing 20 disposed in the locating slot 210 of the locating seat 21. Figure 10 is an illustrative perspective view of a housing carrier 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a housing 20 not yet disposed in the locating slot 210 of the locating seat 21. Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a housing carrier 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a housing 20 disposed in the locating slot 210 of the locating seat 21.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 , a connector assembly device is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly device includes a terminal carrier 1, a housing carrier 2, and a driving device (not shown). The terminal carrier 1 is used to load terminals 10. The housing carrier 2 is used to load housings 20. The driving device (not shown) is used to drive the housing carrier 2 to move along the longitudinal direction Y. The driving device may be a linear electric cylinder. The guide grooves 121 of the moving part 12 are aligned with the sockets 201 of the housing 20 in the longitudinal direction Y, and guide the terminals 10 to be inserted into the sockets 201 of the housing 20 along the longitudinal direction Y. When the moving part 12 is pushed from the initial position to the final position by the housing carrier 2 , the terminal 10 gradually extends from the guide groove 121 of the moving part 12 and is gradually inserted into the housing 20 .

[0052] 1 to 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, the housing carrier 2 includes a positioning seat 21, a first pressing member 24, and a first driving device 240. A positioning slot 210 that fits into the housing 20 is formed in the positioning seat 21, and a slot hole 214 that communicates with the positioning slot 210 is formed in one side wall of the positioning seat 21. The first pressing member 24 is movably mounted in the slot hole 214 and is movable along a lateral direction X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y. The first driving device 240 is mounted on one side of the positioning seat 21 and connected to the first pressing member 24, and is used to drive the first pressing member 24 to move in the lateral direction X. The first driving device 240 may be a cylinder. The first pushing member 24 is used to push the housing 20 along the lateral direction X, so that the housing 20 is clamped and fixed in the lateral direction X between the first pushing member 24 and the other side wall of the positioning seat 21.

[0053] 1 to 11, in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning slot 210 has a front opening and a rear opening on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction Y. A positioning step 21a is formed inside the front opening of the positioning slot 210, and the positioning step 21a is suitable for abutting against the periphery of the front end surface of the housing 20 along the longitudinal direction Y. The housing carrier 2 further includes a second pushing member 25 and a second driving device 250. The second pushing member 25 is movably mounted in the rear opening of the positioning slot 210 and is movable along the longitudinal direction Y. The second driving device 250 is attached to the rear side of the positioning seat 21, connected to the second pushing member 25, and used to drive the second pushing member 25 to move along the longitudinal direction Y. The second driving device 250 may be a cylinder. The second pushing member 25 is used to push the housing 20 along the longitudinal direction Y, and therefore the housing 20 is clamped and fixed in the longitudinal direction Y between the second pushing member 25 and the positioning step portion 21 a of the positioning seat 21.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, the positioning slot 210 has a bottom wall and an upper opening on opposite sides in the height direction Z. The housing carrier 2 further includes a top plate 27, a support post 271, a sphere 272, and an elastic element 273. The top plate 27 is fixed to the upper part of the second pressing member 25 and has a vertical through-hole formed therein. The support post 271 is fixedly inserted into the vertical through-hole of the top plate 27 and has a blind hole 270 with an open lower end formed therein. The sphere 272 is attached to the blind hole 270 and partially protrudes from the opening of the blind hole 270. The elastic element 273 is compressed between the upper wall of the blind hole 270 and the sphere 272 and is used to apply a vertical pressing force to the sphere 272. To prevent the sphere 272 from falling out of the opening of the blind hole 270, the size of the opening of the blind hole 270 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the sphere 272. The sphere 272 is used to press the housing 20 downward along the height direction Z, so that the housing 20 is clamped and fixed in the height direction Z between the sphere 272 and the bottom wall of the positioning slot 210.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, a first pin hole 216 extending along the lateral direction X is formed in the positioning seat 21, and a second pin hole (not shown) is formed in the second pressing member 25. The housing carrier 2 further includes a locking pin 26 and a third driving device 260. The locking pin 26 is movably mounted in the first pin hole 216. The third driving device 260 is mounted on one side of the positioning seat 21 and connected to the locking pin 26. The third driving device 260 is used to drive the locking pin 26 to move along the lateral direction X. The third driving device 260 may be a cylinder. When the second pressing member 25 moves to a predetermined position to clamp and fix the housing 20 in the longitudinal direction Y, the first pin hole 216 and the second pin hole are aligned in the lateral direction X, and the locking pin 26 is inserted into the second pin hole to lock the second pressing member 25 in place.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, the housing carrier 2 further includes a base plate 22, a bottom seat 23, and a force sensor 28. The positioning seat 21 is fixed to the base plate 22. The base plate 22 is movably attached to the bottom seat 23 and has a rear side wall 23b facing the rear side surface 22b of the base plate 22. The force sensor 28 is clamped between the rear side surface 22b of the base plate 22 and the rear side wall 23b of the bottom seat 23 to detect the insertion force of the terminal 10 into the housing 20. The force sensor 28 may include a varistor. The driving device is connected to the bottom seat 23 and is used to drive the housing carrier 2 to move along the longitudinal direction Y. The driving device stops driving the housing carrier 2 when the insertion force detected by the force sensor 28 is greater than a predetermined insertion force.

[0057] Figure 12 is a side view of the housing 20 and terminals 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the terminals 10 not yet inserted into the housing 20. Figure 13 is a side view of the housing 20 and terminals 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the terminals 10 inserted into the housing 20 in their predetermined mounting positions. Figure 14 is a side view of the housing 20 and terminals 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the terminals 10 not yet inserted into the housing 20 in their predetermined mounting positions. Figure 15 is a cross-sectional plan view of the connector and probe 10' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the probe 10' not yet inserted into the housing 20. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional plan view of a connector and probe 10' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the probe 10' is inserted to a predetermined depth in the housing 20 and is in electrical contact with the front ends 10f of the terminals 10 in the housing 20. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional plan view of a connector and probe 10' according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the probe 10' is inserted to a predetermined depth in the housing 20 and is not in contact with the front ends 10f of the terminals 10 in the housing 20.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly device further includes a detection device (not shown) for detecting whether the terminals 10 are inserted into the predetermined mounting positions of the housing 20.

[0059] 12-14, in the illustrated embodiment, the detection device includes a visual detection device (not shown), which may include a camera for capturing an image of secondary locking slot 202 of housing 20 from one side of housing 20 and determining whether terminals 10 are inserted in the predetermined mounting position based on the captured image of secondary locking slot 202. As shown in FIG. 13, when terminals 10 are not visible in the captured image of secondary locking slot 202, the visual detection device determines that terminals 10 are inserted in the predetermined mounting position. As shown in FIG. 14, when terminals 10 are visible in the captured image of secondary locking slot 202, the visual detection device determines that terminals 10 are not inserted in the predetermined mounting position. 14, for example, the shoulder portion 10c of the terminal 10 is visible in the secondary locking slot 202. Therefore, the visual detection device determines that the terminal 10 is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position.

[0060] 15 to 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the detection device further includes a probe detection device. The probe detection device includes a probe 10' and a detection circuit (not shown). The probe 10' is suitable for insertion into a housing 20 at a predetermined depth. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the probe 10' and the terminal 10.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 16, in the illustrated embodiment, when the probe 10' is inserted to a predetermined depth position in the housing 20 and the probe 10' is in electrical contact with the front end 10f of the terminal 10, the detection circuit is in an on state and the probe detection device determines that the terminal 10 is inserted into the predetermined mounting position.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 17, in the illustrated embodiment, when the probe 10' is inserted to a predetermined depth position in the housing 20 and the probe 10' is not in contact with the front end 10f of the terminal 10, the detection circuit is in an off state and the probe detection device determines that the terminal 10 is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position.

[0063] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without any contradiction in structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0064] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0065] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic can include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. A terminal carrier, a fixture (11) used to clamp an electrical connection member (101) connected to the terminal (10); a moving part (12) movably attached to the fixture (11) and movable relative to the fixture (11) along the longitudinal direction (Y) between an initial position and a final position; Equipped with A guide groove (121) suitable for fitting with the terminal (10) is formed in the moving part (12), and the guide groove (121) is used to position and guide the terminal (10) inserted into the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y); When the moving part (12) is in the initial position, the terminal (10) is positioned in the guide groove (121); While the moving part (12) is moving from the initial position to the final position, the terminal (10) gradually extends from the guide groove (121), allowing the terminal (10) to be gradually inserted into the housing (20).

2. 2. The terminal carrier according to claim 1, wherein the moving part (12) is configured to move backward from the initial position to the final position along the longitudinal direction (Y) by being pushed by a housing carrier (2) in which the housing (20) is loaded.

3. 2. The terminal carrier according to claim 1, wherein the electrical connection member (101) is a flexible printed circuit or a flexible flat cable, and the terminal carrier (1) further comprises a push pin (13) configured to abut against a step portion (10c) of the terminal (10) along the longitudinal direction (Y), thereby ensuring that the terminal (10) cannot move backward during insertion into the housing (20).

4. The fixture (11) includes an upper clamp block (11a) and a lower clamp block (11b) facing each other in a height direction (Z), and the upper clamp block (11a) and the lower clamp block (11b) have both ends in the longitudinal direction (Y) and both sides in the lateral direction (X), 4. The terminal carrier of claim 3, wherein one side of the upper clamp block (11a) and one side of the lower clamp block (11b) are rotatably connected, and the upper clamp block (11a) can be rotated relative to the lower clamp block (11b) between a closed position for clamping the electrical connection member (101) and an open position for releasing the electrical connection member (101).

5. 5. The terminal carrier of claim 4, wherein mounting holes (110) are formed on one side of the upper clamp block (11a) and one side of the lower clamp block (11b), and the upper clamp block (11a) and the lower clamp block (11b) are rotatably connected by a pivot (11d) inserted into the mounting holes (110).

6. The moving part (12) includes an upper moving part (12a) and a lower moving part (12b), the upper moving part (12a) being fixedly attached to the upper clamp block (11a) and being rotatable together with the upper clamp block (11a), and the lower moving part (12b) being fixedly attached to the lower clamp block (11b); The guide grooves (121) include an upper row of guide grooves (121a) formed in the upper moving part (12a) and a lower row of guide grooves (121b) formed in the lower moving part (12b), and the push pins (13) include an upper row of push pins (13a) attached to the upper clamp block (11a) and a lower row of push pins (13b) attached to the lower clamp block (11b), 5. The terminal carrier according to claim 4, wherein the upper row of guide grooves (121 a) and the lower row of guide grooves (121 b) are used to position and guide the upper row of terminals (10 a) and the lower row of terminals (10 b), respectively, and the upper row of push pins (13 a) and the lower row of push pins (13 b) are used to abut the step portions (10 c) of the upper row of terminals (10 a) and the step portions (10 c) of the lower row of terminals (10 b), respectively, thereby allowing the upper row of terminals (10 a) and the lower row of terminals (10 b) to be inserted into the housing (20) simultaneously.

7. 7. The terminal carrier of claim 6, wherein when the upper clamp block (11a) is rotated to the closed position, the upper moving part (12a) is rotated to an assembly position in which it engages with the lower moving part (12b), ensuring that the upper moving part (12a) and the lower moving part (12b) can move synchronously along the longitudinal direction (Y).

8. The upper moving part (12a) is an upper mounting plate (122a) movably attached to the upper part of the upper clamp block (11a); an upper base body (120a) connected to the front end of the upper mounting plate (122a) and having the upper row of guide grooves (121a) formed therein; Including, The lower moving part (12b) a lower mounting plate (122b) movably attached to the bottom of the lower clamp block (11b); a lower seat body (120b) connected to the front end of the lower mounting plate (122b) and having the lower row of guide grooves (121b) formed therein; The terminal carrier of claim 7 , comprising:

9. an upper slide rail (123a) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) is fixed to one of the upper mounting plate (122a) and the upper clamp block (11a), and an upper slider (113a) slidably engaged with the upper slide rail (123a) is fixed to the other; 9. The terminal carrier of claim 8, wherein a lower slide rail (123b) extending along the longitudinal direction (Y) is fixed to one of the lower mounting plate (122b) and the lower clamp block (11b), and a lower slider (113b) slidably engaged with the lower slide rail (123b) is fixed to the other.

10. The moving part (12) further includes a partition plate (124) extending along the lateral direction (X) and fixed to the upper base body (120a) or the lower base body (120b), 9. The terminal carrier of claim 8, wherein the partition plate (124) is inserted between the upper row of terminals (10a) and the lower row of terminals (10b) to ensure that the spacing between the upper row of terminals (10a) and the lower row of terminals (10b) is equal to a predetermined spacing.

11. 9. The terminal carrier of claim 8, further comprising a return spring (14), the return spring (14) being compressed along the longitudinal direction (Y) between the fixing device (11) and the moving part (12) and being used to return the moving part (12) from the final position to the initial position.

12. The return spring (14) an upper return spring (14a) compressed along the longitudinal direction (Y) between the upper clamp block (11a) and the upper seat body (120a); a lower return spring (14b) compressed along the longitudinal direction (Y) between the lower clamp block (11b) and the lower seat body (120b); Including, An upper positioning hole (11a) is formed in the upper clamp block (11a), one end of the upper return spring (14a) is accommodated in the upper positioning hole (111a), while the other end is pressed against the rear side of the upper seat body (120a); 12. The terminal carrier of claim 11, wherein a lower positioning hole (111b) is formed in the lower clamp block (11b), and one end of the lower return spring (14b) is accommodated in the lower positioning hole (111b), while the other end is pressed against the rear side of the lower seat body (120b).

13. Further provided is a fixing seat for fixing the lower clamp block (11b), 7. The terminal carrier according to claim 6, wherein vertical fixing portions (11c) are respectively connected to both sides of the lower clamp block (11b), the vertical fixing portions (11c) are fixed to the fixed seat, and the lower moving part (12b) is suspended above the fixed seat by the fixing portions (11c).

14. 14. A terminal carrier as described in any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when the moving part (12) is in the initial position, the terminal (10) is positioned in the guide groove (121), and a front end (10f) of the terminal (10) extends from the guide groove (121), allowing the front end (10f) of the terminal (10) to be pre-inserted into the housing (20).

15. 1. A connector assembly device comprising: The terminal carrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is used to load terminals (10); a housing carrier (2) used to load the housing (20); a driving device for driving the housing carrier (2) to move along the longitudinal direction (Y); Equipped with The guide groove (121) of the moving part (12) is aligned with the socket (201) of the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y) to guide the terminal (10) inserted into the socket (201) of the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y); While the moving part (12) is being pushed from the initial position to the final position by the housing carrier (2), the terminal (10) gradually extends from the guide groove (121) of the moving part (12) and is gradually inserted into the housing (20).

16. The housing carrier (2) a positioning seat (21) having a positioning slot (210) formed therein for fitting into the housing (20), and a slot hole (214) communicating with the positioning slot (210) formed in one side wall of the positioning seat (21); a first pushing member (24) movably mounted in the slot hole (214) and movable along a lateral direction (X) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y); a first driving device (240) mounted on one side of the positioning seat (21), connected to the first pushing member (24), and used to drive the first pushing member (24) to move along the lateral direction (X); Including, 16. The connector assembly device of claim 15, wherein the first pushing member (24) is used to push the housing (20) along the lateral direction (X), and thus the housing (20) is clamped and fixed in the lateral direction (X) between the first pushing member (24) and the other side wall of the positioning seat (21).

17. The positioning slot (210) has a front opening and a rear opening on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction (Y), and a positioning step portion (21 a) is formed inside the front opening of the positioning slot (210), and the positioning step portion (21 a) is configured to abut against a peripheral portion of a front end surface of the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y); The housing carrier (2) a second pushing member (25) movably mounted in the rear opening of the positioning slot (210) and movable along the longitudinal direction (Y); a second driving device (250) attached to the rear side of the positioning seat (21), connected to the second pushing member (25), and used to drive the second pushing member (25) to move along the longitudinal direction (Y); further comprising 17. The connector assembly device of claim 16, wherein the second pushing member (25) is used to push the housing (20) along the longitudinal direction (Y), and thus the housing (20) is clamped and fixed in the longitudinal direction (Y) between the second pushing member (25) and the positioning step portion (21a) of the positioning seat portion (21).

18. The positioning slot (210) has a bottom wall and an upper opening on opposite sides in the height direction (Z), The housing carrier (2) a top plate (27) fixed to an upper portion of the second pushing member (25) and having a vertical through hole formed therein; a support (271) fixedly inserted into the vertical through-hole of the top plate (27) and having a blind hole (270) formed therein and having an open lower end; a sphere (272) mounted in the blind hole (270) and partially protruding from the opening of the blind hole (270); an elastic element (273) that is compressed between the upper wall of the blind hole (270) and the sphere (272) and is used to apply a vertical pressing force to the sphere (272); further comprising 18. The connector assembly device of claim 17, wherein the sphere (272) is used to press the housing (20) downward along the height direction (Z), and thus the housing (20) is clamped and fixed in the height direction (Z) between the sphere (272) and the bottom wall of the positioning slot (210).

19. A first pin hole (216) extending along the lateral direction (X) is formed in the positioning seat (21), and a second pin hole is formed in the second pressing member (25); The housing carrier (2) a locking pin (26) movably mounted in the first pin hole (216); a third driving device (260) mounted on one side of the positioning seat (21), connected to the locking pin (26), and used to drive the locking pin (26) to move along the lateral direction (X); further comprising 18. The connector assembly device of claim 17, wherein when the second push member (25) is moved to a predetermined position to clamp and fix the housing (20) in the longitudinal direction (Y), the first pin hole (216) and the second pin hole are aligned in the lateral direction (X), and the locking pin (26) is inserted into the second pin hole to lock the second push member (25) in the predetermined position.

20. The housing carrier (2) a base plate (22) to which the positioning seat (21) is fixed; a base seat (23) to which the base plate (22) is movably attached, the base seat (23) having a rear side wall (23b) facing a rear side surface (22b) of the base plate (22); a force sensor (28) clamped between the rear side surface (22b) of the base plate (22) and the rear side wall (23b) of the bottom seat (23) to detect the insertion force of the terminal (10) into the housing (20); further comprising the drive device is connected to the base seat (23) for driving the housing carrier (2) to move along the longitudinal direction (Y); The connector assembly device according to claim 16, wherein the driving device stops driving the housing carrier (2) when the insertion force detected by the force sensor (28) is greater than a predetermined insertion force.

21. 17. The connector assembly device according to claim 16, further comprising a detection device used to detect whether the terminal (10) is inserted into a predetermined mounting position in the housing (20).

22. the detection device includes a visual detection device, the visual detection device being used to capture an image of a secondary lock slot (202) of the housing (20) from one side of the housing (20) and determine whether the terminal (10) is inserted into the predetermined mounting position based on the captured image of the secondary lock slot (202); when the terminal (10) is not visible in the captured image of the secondary locking slot (202), the visual detection device determines that the terminal (10) is inserted into the predetermined mounting position; 22. The connector assembly device of claim 21, wherein the visual detection device determines that the terminal (10) is not inserted in the predetermined mounting position when the terminal (10) is visible in the captured image of the secondary locking slot (202).

23. The detection device further includes a probe detection device, a probe (10') suitable for insertion into said housing (20) at a predetermined depth; a detection circuit electrically connected to the probe (10') and the terminal (10); Including, When the probe (10') is inserted into the housing (20) at the predetermined depth and the probe (10') is in electrical contact with the front end (10f) of the terminal (10), the detection circuit is in an ON state, and the probe detection device determines that the terminal (10) is inserted into the predetermined mounting position; 23. The connector assembly device of claim 22, wherein when the probe (10') is inserted into the housing (20) at the predetermined depth position and the probe (10') is not in contact with the front end (10f) of the terminal (10), the detection circuit is in an off state and the probe detection device determines that the terminal (10) is not inserted into the predetermined mounting position.

Images