Applicator with pressure management device for three-barrel crimp terminal

Abstract

To provide a configuration and a method that enable a load value during crimping of a core wire barrel part to be independently and accurately measured, and also enable detection of even a slight crimp defect from the behavior thereof by devising a sensor mounting position and a sensor mounting method utilizing functions of an applicator capable of individually adjusting crimp heights of a three-barrel terminal (an insulated barrel part, a braided wire barrel part, and the core wire barrel part).SOLUTION: An applicator with a pressure management device for a three-barrel crimp terminal comprises a crimping machine movable ram bolt part, a crimper, and a shank holder part provided between the crimping machine movable ram bolt part and the crimper. The applicator with a pressure management device for a three-barrel crimp terminal is characterized in that a sensor is attached to the shank holder part between the crimping machine movable ram bolt part and the crimper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] FAKRA connectors are currently used in Europe and other countries for connecting in-vehicle GPS, televisions, radios, and cameras, and are used in high-frequency signal wiring in automobiles, a market that is expanding.

[0003] This FAKRA connector uses coaxial wire, which is crimped. There are also three-barrel crimp terminals other than FAKRA connectors that are crimped onto coaxial wire or onto crimped wire with electronic components. The crimping of these FAKRA connectors and three-barrel crimp terminals other than FAKRA connectors requires reliable connections.

[0004] One quality assurance method for the process of crimping terminals and electric wires is to measure the load during crimping and detect defects based on the load value and behavior.A long-standing technique is to install a load (pressure) sensor on the bottom of the applicator and detect defects based on the behavior of the total value of the load generated when the terminal is crimped (Patent Document 1).

[0005] In addition, one load (pressure) sensor is installed on the applicator, but it has been reported that the sensor is installed on the bottom surface of the anvil (Patent Document 2) and on the ram bolt section (Patent Document 3).

[0006] On the other hand, in order to measure the load of each barrel separately when it is crimped, a sensor with a structure that can measure independently on the bottom surface of the anvil (Patent Document 4) and a method of attaching a strain gauge to the crimper (crimping blade mold) together with the ram bolt portion (Patent Document 5) have been reported.

[0007] Also reported is an applicator (Patent Document 6) that has the function of adjusting the crimping height of a three-barrel terminal (coating barrel portion, braided wire barrel portion, and core wire barrel portion). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-135820 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-150187 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-056796 [Patent Document 4] Patent No. 6450817 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-073379 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-212056 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, in all of the methods described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, in the process of crimping a coaxial wire or the like using a three-barrel terminal, the coating barrel, the braided wire (shield) barrel, and the core wire barrel are crimped almost simultaneously, making it difficult to detect defects that occur in each barrel by simply measuring the behavior of the total load value of each process.In particular, the load value during crimping of the core wire barrel, which is the most important in quality control, is small compared to other parts, so there is a problem in that the total value will drown out subtle changes in behavior due to defects that occur in that part.

[0010] Furthermore, when attached to the bottom surface of the anvil, which is the lower side of the crimping part as in Patent Document 4, there is a problem that regular cleaning is required to prevent the effects of debris such as wear particles and lubricating oil generated during crimping.When a strain gauge is attached to the crimper as in Patent Document 5, when the crimper is replaced due to the progression of wear, the strain gauge etc. must also be replaced, which creates a costly problem.

[0011] The applicator in Patent Document 6 has the function of adjusting the crimp height (coating barrel portion, braided wire barrel portion, and core wire barrel portion) of the three-barrel terminal, but there is still room for improvement, such as the lack of a function to detect defects in the crimping process.

[0012] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a configuration and method that utilizes the function of an applicator that can adjust the crimp height of each of the three-barrel terminals (coating barrel portion, braided wire barrel portion, and core wire barrel portion) and, by devising a sensor installation position and method, can independently and accurately measure the load value when the core wire barrel is crimped, and can detect even slight crimping defects from its behavior. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The present invention relates to an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal that solves the above problems by having the following configuration. [1] An applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, which comprises a movable ram bolt portion of a crimping machine, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper, An applicator with a pressure control device for three-barrel crimp terminals, characterized by a sensor attached to the shank holder between the movable ram bolt part of the crimping machine and the crimper. [2] The applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to [1] above, in which the sensor is directly joined to the shank holder portion by adhesive or welding. [3] The applicator with pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to any one of [1] to [2] above, wherein a sensor is attached between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the upper crimping blade. [4] The applicator with pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein sensors are attached to two locations above the upper crimping blade. [5] The applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein the sensor is a sensor that measures the amount of strain or load. [6] The applicator with pressure control device for three-barrel crimp terminals described in [5] above, in which sensors can be attached to the left and right sides of the shank holder, allowing the left and right sensors to be configured as a single circuit, or as two separate circuits for the left and right sensors. [7] The applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to any one of [1] to [6] above, wherein the sensor signal transmission wiring is concentrated on the side and rear of the applicator. [8] A method for detecting an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, the applicator having a movable ram bolt portion of a crimping machine, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper, A detection method for an applicator with a pressure control device for three-barrel crimp terminals, which improves detection accuracy by installing a sensor between the movable ram bolt part of the crimping machine and the upper crimping blade. [9] An applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, comprising a movable ram bolt portion of a crimping machine, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper, A detection method for an applicator with a pressure control device for three-barrel crimp terminals, which makes it possible to detect changes in pressure fluctuations by attaching sensors to two locations: the movable ram bolt part of the crimping machine and the top of the upper crimping blade.

[10] A detection method for an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, which comprises a movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper, and which makes it possible to determine the influence of the load generated in the bending direction by observing the two differential outputs obtained from sensor structures arranged in two locations on both sides of the holder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention [1], the load value of the core wire barrel portion during crimping can be measured independently and accurately, and even slight crimping defects can be detected from the behavior of the load value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an embodiment of an applicator with a pressure management device for a three-barrel crimp terminal of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prototype applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This shows a method for protecting the sensor unit and electrical wiring, the location of a Wheatstone bridge circuit installed near the sensor unit to reduce the influence of noise, and an example of the configuration of a Wheatstone bridge circuit. [Figure 4] 1 shows an example of a three-barrel crimp terminal before and after being crimped by the applicator with a pressure management device for a three-barrel crimp terminal of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an example of detecting defects in the core barrel crimping portion based on the behavior of the crimping load when using the developed applicator with pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a waveform of a crimping load measured by an applicator using a conventional sensor. [Figure 7] 10 is a waveform of a crimping load measured by a sensor built into the applicator of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal of the present invention is an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, comprising a movable ram bolt portion of a crimping machine, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper, The sensor is attached to the shank holder between the movable ram bolt of the crimping machine and the crimper. The three-barrel terminal consists of a coating barrel, a braided wire barrel, and a core wire barrel.

[0017] In this way, by positioning the sensor on the shank holder, which is between the movable ram bolt part of the crimping machine and the crimper (crimping blade), the sensor is positioned close to the crimping processing part, and the load generated by crimping is transmitted directly, making it possible to easily detect subtle changes in the crimping load.The sensor should preferably be one that measures strain or load (force), such as a strain gauge.

[0018] In addition, the above-mentioned problems of periodic cleaning and replacing the strain gauges and the like when replacing the crimper can be avoided.

[0019] The sensor is preferably directly joined to the shank holder portion by adhesive or other means.

[0020] Furthermore, by combining the function of adjusting the crimp height of each of the three barrel terminals (coating barrel portion, braided wire barrel portion, and core wire barrel portion), the load value when crimping the core wire barrel can be accurately measured, and even slight crimping defects can be detected from its behavior, which is preferable.

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of one example of an embodiment of an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal (hereinafter referred to as the applicator) 1 includes a crimping machine movable ram bolt portion 10, a crimper 30, and a shank holder portion 20 between the crimping machine movable ram bolt portion 10 and the crimper 30, and a sensor is attached to the shank holder portion 20 between the crimping machine movable ram bolt portion 10 and the crimper 30. An anvil 40 is also provided below the crimper.

[0022] In this applicator 1, the crimping machine movable ram bolt part 10 can move up and down, and by pressing down the crimping machine movable ram bolt part 10, the terminal placed on the anvil 40 can be crimped.

[0023] Next, the applicator of the present invention provides a method for improving detection accuracy by attaching a sensor between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the upper crimping blade.

[0024] In addition, by attaching sensors to two locations above the upper crimping blade, it is possible to capture changes in pressure fluctuations, which is preferable. Specifically, oval hole-shaped spaces for attaching semiconductor strain gauges are provided on the shank, which is the upper part of the two locations where the concave crimper comes into contact.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the protection method for the sensor and electrical wiring, the location of the Wheatstone bridge circuit installed near the sensor to minimize noise effects, and an example of the Wheatstone bridge circuit configuration. The semiconductor strain gauges are attached close to each other so that positive and negative strains are generated on each side in proportion to the crimping load. The differential output is calculated using a Wheatstone bridge circuit, thereby minimizing the effects of ambient temperature. Because the crimping process for three-barrel crimp terminals is completed in a very short time, rapid measurement response is required. To ensure rapid response, we used the smallest possible semiconductor strain gauge and minimized the range of motion of the semiconductor strain gauge attachment area, thereby minimizing the mass related to the natural frequency and ensuring a high natural frequency for the sensor. Additionally, two sensors, one on each side of the shank, are located on both sides of the holder to support the concave crimper. The sum of these two sets of outputs eliminates the effects of the load (moment) generated in the bending direction of the crimper. Figure 3 shows an example using a semiconductor strain gauge, but if the design is based on the above-mentioned method, metal foil strain gauges or sensors that measure strain using other measurement principles may be used instead of semiconductor strain gauges.In addition, by using a left and right mounting structure for the shank holder, the sensor can be configured as a left and right single circuit configuration that calculates the sum of the two sets of outputs mentioned above, or as a two-circuit configuration with separate left and right circuits.

[0026] As a result of placing sensor structures in two locations on both sides of the holder above the crimper (crimping blade mold), the two differential outputs obtained from the sensor structures placed in two locations on both sides of the holder are observed using two separate circuits on the left and right sides, making it possible to determine the effects of the load (moment) generated in the bending direction, etc., and further improving the quality of the coaxial cable crimping process.

[0027] Next, a method for detecting not only imperfect crimping of the core barrel but also imperfect crimping of the covering barrel and the braided wire (shield) barrel will be described. A single load (pressure) sensor installed on the bottom of the applicator calculates the total load generated during all terminal crimping operations. The crimp load for the core barrel is then subtracted from this total to determine the total crimp load for the coating barrel and the braided wire (shield) barrel. Defect detection is then performed based on this behavior. Generally, the crimp loads for both the coating barrel and the braided wire (shield) barrel are large, so the load value and behavior change significantly when a defect occurs. Therefore, defect detection is possible based on the behavior of this total value. However, if even greater accuracy in defect detection is required, a sensor with an independent measurement structure can be installed on the bottom of the anvil to separately calculate the crimp loads for the coating barrel and the braided wire (shield) barrel, and defects can be detected individually.

[0028] To protect the sensor and ensure electrical (signal transmission) wiring, the crimper's lateral movement is limited while its vertical movement is smoothly transmitted, ensuring the crimping load received by the crimper is transmitted to the sensor without loss and maintaining crimping accuracy. Additionally, the electrical wiring for the (semiconductor) strain gauge sensor passes through electrical wiring grooves on both sides and the back of the shank holder. The wiring is centralized in a Wheatstone bridge circuit installed in the center of the back of the shank holder, and noise suppression is also performed on the shank holder. This connection method allows for a compact design, including the noise suppression section, and makes it possible to manufacture an applicator with a defect detection function that allows the sensor to be incorporated into a shank holder that slides up and down. An oval-shaped hole is also provided in the shank for incorporating the strain gauge. This space (sensor mounting area) and the wiring groove are sealed with oil- and water-resistant resin, ensuring maintenance-free operation.

[0029] An example of a three-barrel crimp terminal before and after being crimped by the applicator with a pressure management device for a three-barrel crimp terminal of the present invention is shown in Figure 4. The left side of Figure 4 shows the terminal before crimping, and the right side shows the terminal after crimping.

[0030] Furthermore, by replacing electrical wiring with wireless technology such as Bluetooth, durability can be improved.

[0031] For the sake of convenience, the present invention has been described up to this point in terms of crimping a single-core wire, but it is of course possible to apply the present invention to crimping a wire with an electronic component (such as a resistor or capacitor). [Example]

[0032] The present invention will be described with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0033] An applicator was prototyped. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the prototype applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal of the present invention. As shown in Figure 2, strain gauge sensors 50 were provided in two locations, left and right. Next, a three-barrel crimp terminal was crimped using the prototype applicator. Figure 5 shows an example of detecting defects in the core barrel crimped portion based on the behavior of the crimping load when using the developed applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal of the present invention.

[0034] As can be seen from Figure 5, the rise of the crimping force was quicker in the case of backside protrusion compared to the sensor output profile of a good product. On the other hand, in the case of core wire leakage, the peak value of the sensor output was about 2 / 3 of that of a good product.

[0035] Next, Figure 6 shows the waveform of the crimping load measured by an applicator using a conventional sensor. Conventionally, sensors were placed on the base that secures the applicator to the crimping machine, or on the ram bolt of the crimping machine, and the total value of the load generated by each barrel was measured. For this reason, as shown in Figure 6, with an applicator using a conventional sensor, crimping of each barrel is performed almost simultaneously, and the loads are added together, making it difficult to determine defects in the core wire from the waveform shape.

[0036] The waveform of the crimping load measured by the sensor built into the applicator of the present invention is shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, the sensor built into the applicator of the present invention is designed to measure only the load generated when the core wire is crimped, so the load on the core wire is obtained directly, making it possible to clearly see changes in the event of a defect and capture changes in load behavior corresponding to defects in the core wire. [Industrial Applicability]

[0037] This is extremely useful as it can independently and accurately measure the load value when crimping the core wire barrel of a FAKRA connector, etc., and can detect even slight crimping defects from its behavior. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1. Applicator with pressure control device for 3-barrel crimp terminals 10. Movable ram bolt part of the crimping machine 20 Shank holder part 30 Crimper 40 Anvil 50 (Semiconductor) Strain Gauge Sensor

Claims

1. An applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, comprising a movable crimping machine ram bolt portion, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable crimping machine ram bolt portion and the crimper, An applicator with a pressure control device for three-barrel crimp terminals, characterized in that a sensor is attached to the shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper.

2. 2. The applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is directly joined to the shank holder portion by adhesive or welding.

3. 3. The three-barrel crimp terminal pressure control device applicator according to claim 1, wherein a sensor is attached between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the upper crimping blade.

4. 4. The applicator with pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to claim 1, wherein sensors are attached to two locations above the upper crimping blade.

5. 5. The applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a sensor that measures an amount of strain or a load.

6. 6. The applicator with pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to claim 5, wherein the sensors are attached to the left and right sides of the shank holder, so that the left and right sensors can be configured as a single circuit or as two separate circuits for the left and right sensors.

7. 7. The applicator with a pressure management device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to claim 1, wherein sensor signal transmission wiring is concentrated on the side surface and rear portion of the applicator.

8. A method for detecting an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, the applicator comprising a movable ram bolt portion of a crimping machine, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper, A detection method for an applicator with a pressure control device for three-barrel crimp terminals, which improves detection accuracy by installing a sensor between the movable ram bolt part of the crimping machine and the upper crimping blade.

9. A method for detecting an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, the applicator comprising a movable ram bolt portion of a crimping machine, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper, A detection method for an applicator with a pressure control device for three-barrel crimp terminals, which makes it possible to capture changes in pressure fluctuations by attaching sensors to two locations: the movable ram bolt part of the crimping machine and the top of the upper crimping blade.

10. A method for detecting an applicator with a pressure control device for a three-barrel crimp terminal, the applicator comprising a movable ram bolt portion of a crimping machine, a crimper, and a shank holder portion between the movable ram bolt portion of the crimping machine and the crimper, 10. The detection method for an applicator with a pressure management device for a three-barrel crimp terminal according to claim 9, wherein the influence of a load generated in the bending direction, etc., can be determined by observing the difference between the two outputs obtained from the sensor structures arranged in two locations on both sides of the holder.

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