Connector insertion / removal test equipment

Abstract

To provide an insertion / removal test device for a connector, which is advantage for improving reliability of an insertion / removal test.SOLUTION: A first support part 28 comprises: a support frame member 60 having a housing part 60026002 with a plurality of inner peripheral surfaces (inside surfaces 6004); a housing member 62 that is connected to a first holding part 26, has a plurality of outer peripheral surfaces (outside surfaces 6202), and is housed in the housing part 60026002 so as not to move in an insertion / removal direction with a gap S interposed between each outer peripheral surface and each inner peripheral surface; an urging unit 72 that urges the housing member 62 to be located at the center of the housing unit 60026002; and a movement rotation allowable part 74 that allows the movement of the housing member 62 within a predetermined range in a direction orthogonal to the insertion / removal direction in the housing part 60026002 and the rotation of the accommodating member 62 around the insertion / removal direction within a predetermined angle range in the housing part 60026002.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector insertion / removal test device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, the demand for connectors has been expanding due to the spread of digital devices and communication devices. Such devices use a pair of connectors that fit together, but when the connectors are repeatedly inserted and removed, the terminals can slide and wear out due to vibration and impact, which can result in problems such as poor contact, conductivity, and insulation. Therefore, in order to evaluate the durability of a connector when it is repeatedly inserted and removed, it is necessary to conduct an insertion / removal test in which the connector is repeatedly inserted and removed. In view of this, an insertion / removal tester that repeatedly inserts and removes a pair of connectors has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-106969 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-mentioned insertion / removal testing machine, a pair of opposing holders is prepared, a pair of connectors are fixed to each of the holders, and the pair of holders are moved back and forth in a straight line in directions moving away from each other to repeatedly insert and remove the pair of connectors to perform the test. In this type of insertion / removal test machine, it is difficult to precisely match the relative positions and postures of a pair of connectors and fix them to the fixture, and the relative positions and postures of the connectors tend to shift slightly, which may result in undue force being applied to the terminals when they are inserted or removed, which is disadvantageous in ensuring the reliability of the insertion / removal test.

[0005] On the other hand, when connectors are manually inserted or removed, the connectors are inserted or removed while being moved in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction and in a rotational position around the insertion / removal direction, so no excessive force is applied to the terminals when inserting or removing them. Therefore, in order to improve the reliability of the insertion / removal test, it is desirable to perform the insertion / removal test under conditions equivalent to those when the connector is manually inserted and removed.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVETION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a connector insertion / extraction test device which is advantageous in improving the reliability of insertion / extraction tests. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment of the present invention is a connector insertion / removal test device that includes a first holding part that holds a first connector, a first support part that supports the first holding part, a second holding part that holds a second connector, and a second support part that supports the second holding part, and that moves at least one of the first support part and the second support part back and forth in an insertion / removal direction to insert and remove the first connector and the second connector, wherein at least one of the first support part and the second support part has a support frame member having a housing part extending in the insertion / removal direction, and an outer circumferential surface that is connected to at least one of the first holding part and the second holding part and faces an inner circumferential surface of the housing part. The housing comprises an accommodating member accommodated in the accommodating section with a gap between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface, a movement preventing portion that prevents movement of the accommodating member in the insertion / removal direction when the accommodating member is accommodated in the accommodating section, a biasing portion that biases the accommodating member to be positioned at the center of the accommodating section, and a movement / rotation allowing portion that allows movement of the accommodating member within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction within the accommodating section, and rotation of the accommodating member around the insertion / removal direction within the predetermined angle range within the accommodating section.

[0008] The biasing portion is preferably configured with a plurality of ball plungers provided on the support frame member and having hard balls that protrude from the inner peripheral surface and are pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating member.

[0009] The present invention is also characterized in that an engagement recess recessed inwardly into the outer circumferential surface is provided at a location on the outer circumferential surface where the hard ball is pressed.

[0010] The biasing portion is characterized in that it is configured with a rubber plate arranged in the gap in a state where it is compressed by the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface.

[0011] The storage section and the storage member are both formed with a rectangular cross section, the inner circumferential surface of the storage section is composed of four inner sides, the outer circumferential surface of the storage member is composed of four outer sides, and the movement / rotation allowing section is composed of the four inner sides, the four outer sides, and the gaps formed between the inner sides and the outer sides.

[0012] The storage portion is provided penetrating the support frame member in the insertion / removal direction, at least one of the support frame members of the first support portion and the second support portion is fixed onto a base, a cover plate is attached to an upper surface of the support frame member located opposite the base, and the movement preventing portion is formed by the base and the cover plate.

[0013] The present invention is also characterized in that the accommodating portion is provided penetrating the support frame member in the insertion / removal direction, at least one of the support frame members of the first support portion and the second support portion is fixed onto a base, a cover plate is attached to an upper surface of the support frame member located opposite the base, and a bottom plate is attached to a lower surface of the support frame member located on the base side, the accommodating member is arranged between the cover plate and the bottom plate so as to be movable in the insertion / removal direction relative to the support frame member, an insertion / removal direction biasing portion is provided which constantly biases the accommodating member in a direction to abut against the cover plate, the biasing force of the insertion / removal direction biasing portion is set to be greater than the force required for the first connector and the second connector to engage with each other, and the movement preventing portion is composed of the cover plate, the bottom plate, and the insertion / removal direction biasing portion. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first support portion and the second support portion comprises a support frame member having a accommodating portion extending in the insertion / removal direction of the connector, an accommodating member connected to at least one of the first holding portion and the second holding portion, having an outer circumferential surface facing the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion and accommodated in the accommodating portion with a gap between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces, a movement preventing portion that prevents movement of the accommodating member in the insertion / removal direction when inserted or removed while the accommodating member is accommodated in the accommodating portion, a biasing portion that biases the accommodating member to be positioned at the center of the accommodating portion, and a movement / rotation allowing portion that allows movement of the accommodating member within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction within the accommodating portion, and rotation of the accommodating member within a predetermined angle range around the insertion / removal direction within the accommodating portion. Therefore, even if the relative positions and postures of the first connector and the second connector do not match strictly, the accommodating member can move within a specified range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the connector, or rotate within a specified angle range around the insertion / removal direction, so that the first connector and the second connector can be smoothly mated without undue force being applied to the terminals during mating. This is advantageous in performing an insertion / removal test under conditions equivalent to manual insertion / removal of the first connector and the second connector, and is advantageous in improving the reliability of the insertion / removal test.

[0015] Furthermore, forming both the accommodating portion and the accommodating member into a rectangular cross section results in a simple shape that is easy to process, which makes it possible to form the gap accurately and reliably, which is advantageous for manufacturing the movement and rotation allowing portion with high precision. Therefore, the first connector and the second connector can be smoothly mated without excessive force being applied to the terminals during mating, which is advantageous in improving the reliability of insertion / extraction tests.

[0016] Furthermore, if the biasing portion is composed of a plurality of ball plungers having hard balls protruding from the inner surface provided on the support frame member and pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating member, the multiple hard balls press the outer peripheral surface of the accommodating member from a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral surface, which is advantageous in positioning the accommodating member in a stably located position in the center of the accommodating section. Therefore, the first connector and the second connector can be smoothly mated without excessive force being applied to the terminals during mating, which is advantageous in improving the reliability of insertion / extraction tests. In addition, the pressing force of the hard ball against the outer circumferential surface of the containing member can be adjusted by changing the position of the ball plunger. Therefore, when the pressing force of the hard ball is weak, the pressing force is increased, and when the pressing force of the hard ball is strong, the pressing force is decreased, which is advantageous for positioning the accommodating member in the center of the accommodating section with an appropriate pressing force, and this is advantageous for smoothly mating the first connector and the second connector without applying undue force to the terminals during mating, and for improving the reliability of insertion / extraction tests.

[0017] Furthermore, if an engaging recess recessed inwardly is provided at the location on the outer circumferential surface where the hard ball is pressed, this is advantageous in ensuring that the pressing force of the hard ball is applied to the outer circumferential surface of the containing member. This is advantageous in terms of stably positioning the accommodating member in the center of the accommodating portion, and in terms of smoothly mating the first connector and the second connector, thereby improving the reliability of insertion / removal tests.

[0018] Furthermore, if the biasing portion is constructed of a rubber plate arranged in a compressed state between the inner surface and the outer surface, this is advantageous in terms of stably positioning the storage member in the center of the storage portion with a simple configuration. Therefore, the first connector and the second connector can be smoothly mated without excessive force being applied to the terminals during mating, which is advantageous in improving the reliability of insertion / extraction tests.

[0019] In addition, the accommodating portion is provided penetrating the support frame member in the insertion / removal direction of the connector, at least one of the support frame members of the first support portion and the second support portion is fixed onto a base, a cover plate is attached to the upper surface of the support frame member located opposite the base, and the movement preventing portion is constructed by the base and the cover plate, so that the accommodating member is supported by the base and the cover plate within the accommodating portion so as to be unable to move in the insertion / removal direction of the connector. Therefore, the structure of the movement preventing section that prevents movement of the accommodating member in the insertion / removal direction of the connector when the accommodating member is accommodated in the accommodating section can be simplified, and since the movement of the accommodating member in the insertion / removal direction of the connector can be reliably prevented, this is advantageous in allowing the first connector and the second connector to be smoothly inserted and removed, and improving the reliability of insertion / removal tests.

[0020] In addition, by arranging the accommodating member between the cover plate and the bottom plate so that it can move in the insertion / removal direction relative to the support frame member, providing an insertion / removal direction biasing portion that constantly biases the accommodating member in the direction of abutting the cover plate, and setting the biasing force of the insertion / removal direction biasing portion to be greater than the force required for the first connector and the second connector to fit together, this prevents excessive load from being placed on the first connector and the second connector, which is advantageous in preventing damage to the first connector and the second connector, and is more advantageous in performing an insertion / removal test under conditions equivalent to manually inserting and removing the first connector and the second connector, and is even more advantageous in improving the reliability of the insertion / removal test. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a connector insertion / extraction test device according to a first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the front. [Diagram 2] 1 is a front view of a connector insertion / removal test device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a connector insertion / extraction test device according to a first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from the rear. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the connector insertion / removal test device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a top view of a connector insertion / removal test device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a side view of a connector insertion / extraction test device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second connector according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a first connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a second holding portion holding a second connector according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a first holding portion holding a first connector according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first holding portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first support part according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1A is a top view of a first support part according to the first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the first support part shown in FIG. 1A along line AA, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the first support part shown in FIG. 1A along line BB. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a support frame member according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 1A is a top view of a support frame member according to the first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the support frame member shown in FIG. 1A along line AA, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the support frame member shown in FIG. 1A along line BB. [Figure 14] 1A is a perspective view of a storage member in the first embodiment, FIG. 1B is a top view of the storage member, FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the storage member shown in FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view along line BB of the storage member shown in FIG. [Figure 15] 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of the connector insertion / extraction test device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 16]1A is a top view of a first support part according to a second embodiment, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the first support part shown in FIG. 1A along line AA, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of the first support part shown in FIG. 1A along line BB. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a first support part according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a support frame member according to a third embodiment. [Figure 19] 10(A) is a top view of a support frame member for the third embodiment, (B) is an AA cross-sectional view of the support frame member shown in (A), and (C) is a BB cross-sectional view of the support frame member shown in (A). [Figure 20] 10A is an oblique view of a storage member for the third embodiment, FIG. 10B is a top view of the storage member, FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view along line AA of the storage member shown in FIG. 10B, and FIG. 10D is a cross-sectional view along line BB of the storage member shown in FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a connector insertion / extraction test device according to a third embodiment, which corresponds to the CC cross-sectional view of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a connector insertion / removal test device 10 according to a first embodiment will be described. The connector insertion / removal test device 10 performs an insertion / removal test by inserting and removing a pair of connectors (a first connector CN1 and a second connector CN2). As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the connector insertion / removal test device 10 is configured to include a base 12, a pair of support pillars 14, a top plate 16, a lift plate 18, a lift guide section 20, a height adjustment device 22, a reciprocating movement section 24, a first holding section 26, a first support section 28, a second holding section 30, and a second support section 32. In the following drawings, the left-right direction is indicated as the X direction, the front direction is indicated as the F direction, the rear direction is indicated as the R direction, and the up-down direction is indicated as the Z direction.

[0023] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a case will be described in which the first connector CN1 is a male connector and the second connector CN2 is a female connector that can be inserted into and removed from the first connector CN1; however, the shapes of the first and second connectors are not limited thereto. The connector insertion / removal test device 10 of this embodiment inserts and removes the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 by moving the second connector CN2 back and forth linearly in the vertical direction (Z direction) relative to the fixed first connector CN1, with the vertical direction (Z direction) being the insertion / removal direction.

[0024] The base plate 12 has a rectangular plate shape, and each component of the connector insertion / extraction test device 10 is provided on the upper surface thereof. The pair of support columns 14 are erected from two positions spaced apart in the left-right direction (X direction) of the base 12 in the middle of the base 12 in the front-rear direction (FR direction).

[0025] Both ends of the top plate 16 are connected to the upper ends of the pair of support columns 14 via bolts B1. A height adjustment device 22 for raising and lowering the lift plate 18 is attached to one end of the upper surface of the top plate 16 in the longitudinal direction. The lift plate 18 is moved (raised and lowered) in the vertical direction by a height adjustment device 22 which will be described later.

[0026] The lift guide portion 20 guides the vertical movement of the lift plate 18, and includes a rod 2002 provided on the rear side of the lift plate 18, and a slide bush 2004. The rod 2002 extends vertically at a location close to one of the pair of supports 14 , 1402 , with its lower end attached to the base 12 and its upper end attached to the top plate 16 . The slide bush 2004 is attached to the rear surface of the lift plate 18 via a bracket 2004A. A rod 2002 is inserted into the slide bush 2004, and therefore the lift plate 18 is guided via the slide bush 2004 and the rod 2002 so as to be vertically movably.

[0027] The height adjustment device 22 is manually operated to raise and lower the lift plate 18 in the vertical direction and to fix the lift plate 18 at any desired height position. The height adjustment device 22 includes a feed screw 2202 , a ball screw 2204 , and a rotation transmission unit 2206 .

[0028] The feed screw 2202 is disposed at a position closer to the other support post 1404 of the pair of support posts 14 . The lower end of the feed screw 2202 is supported by a bearing 2202A provided on the base 12 so as to be rotatable but immovable in the vertical direction. The upper end of the feed screw 2202 passes through the top plate 16 and is connected to a rotation transmission part 2206 .

[0029] The ball screw 2204 is attached to the back surface of the lift plate 18 via a bracket 2204 A, and the ball screw 2204 is screwed into the feed screw 2202 .

[0030] The rotation transmission unit 2206 is provided at a location on the top plate 16 corresponding to the feed screw 2202 . The rotation transmission unit 2206 includes a handle 2210 , a gear mechanism 2212 , and a stopper lever 2214 . The handle 2210 is provided so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction. The gear mechanism 2212 has a gear (not shown) that meshes with a gear (not shown) provided at the upper end of the feed screw 2202, and rotates the feed screw 2202 forward and backward by rotating the handle 2210.

[0031] The stopper lever 2214 is provided so as to be swingable about an axis extending in the left-right direction between a predetermined movable position and a fixed position, and controls the operation of the gear mechanism 2212. When the stopper lever 2214 is swung to the movable position, the gear mechanism 2212 is permitted to rotate, and the feed screw 2202 is permitted to rotate, so that the rotational driving force generated by the operation of the handle 2210 is transmitted to the feed screw 2202 . When the stopper lever 2214 is swung to the fixed position, rotation of the gear mechanism 2212 is prohibited, and rotation of the feed screw 2202 is also prohibited, so that the rotational driving force generated by operation of the handle 2210 is not transmitted to the feed screw 2202, and therefore the rotational position of the feed screw 2202 is fixed.

[0032] Therefore, when the handle 2210 is rotated in the forward direction with the stopper lever 2214 in the movable position, the rotational driving force of the handle 2210 is transmitted to the feed screw 2202 via the rotation transmission part 2206, causing the feed screw 2202 to rotate in the forward direction, and the lifting plate 18 moves upward via the ball screw 2204. Furthermore, when the handle 2210 is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotational driving force of the handle 2210 is transmitted to the feed screw 2202 via the rotation transmission unit 2206, causing the feed screw 2202 to rotate in the reverse direction, and the lifting plate 18 moves downward via the ball screw 2204. Moreover, when the stopper lever 2214 is swung from the movable position to the fixed position, the lift plate 18 is fixed at that height position and is prohibited from moving up and down.

[0033] As described later, the connector insertion / removal test device 10 is provided with a second holding portion 30 that holds the second connector CN2, and also with a second support portion 32 that supports the second holding portion 30. The reciprocating moving part 24 is attached integrally to the lifting plate 18 and causes the second support part 32 to move reciprocatingly in a straight line up and down between an upper limit position and a lower limit position, thereby inserting and removing the second connector CN2 into and from the first connector CN1. The reciprocating unit 24 includes a motor 2402 , a crank 2404 , a link 2406 , a reciprocating member 2408 , and a linear guide 2410 .

[0034] The motor 2402 is provided on the rear surface of the lift plate 18 near the upper end. A drive shaft 2402A of the motor 2402 is inserted into a through hole provided in the lift plate 18 and protrudes from the front surface of the lift plate 18.

[0035] The crank 2404 has a base 2404A fixed to the tip of a drive shaft 2402A that protrudes from the front surface of the lift plate 18, and is provided so as to be rotatable together with the drive shaft 2402A. A rod 2412A is provided at a tip 2404B of the crank 2404, and one end 2406A of the link 2406 is rotatably supported at the tip 2404B of the crank 2404 via the rod 2412A.

[0036] The reciprocating member 2408 is disposed in front of the lift plate 18 and includes a vertical plate portion 2408A facing the lift plate 18 when viewed from the side, and a lower plate portion 2408B protruding forward (F direction) of the base 12 from the lower end of the vertical plate portion 2408A. The other end 2406B of the link 2406 is rotatably connected to the upper part of the vertical plate portion 2408A via a rod 2412B. A second support portion 32, which will be described later, is connected to the lower plate portion 2408B.

[0037] The linear guide 2410 includes an elongated rail 2410A and a slider 2410B. The rail 2410A is attached to a portion of the front surface of the lift plate 18 opposite the reciprocating member 2408, and extends in the vertical direction. The slider 2410B is attached to the vertical plate portion 2408A and is coupled so as to be capable of linear movement along the rail 2410A.

[0038] Therefore, when the drive shaft 2402 A of the motor 2402 rotates, the reciprocating member 2408 moves linearly up and down in front of the lift plate 18 via the crank 2404 , the link 2406 , and the linear guide 2410 .

[0039] As shown in Figure 8 (A), the second holding portion 30 holds the second connector CN2 with the mating portion CN22 of the second connector CN2 facing downward, and is connected to the lower plate portion 2408B of the reciprocating member 2408 via the second connecting pillar 3202 described later, and moves reciprocatingly in a straight line in the vertical direction integrally with the reciprocating member 2408. As shown in FIG. 8, the second holding portion 30 includes a holding portion main body 40, a plate 42, a clamping plate 44, a clamping plate guide portion 46, a screw member 48, and a pair of cap screws 50. The second holding portion 30 is obtained by turning the first holding portion 26, which will be described later, upside down, and will be described briefly in order to be described in detail in the explanation of the first holding portion 26.

[0040] The second connector CN2 is inserted into the space between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42, and the screw member 48 is rotated in the forward direction so that the second connector CN2 is clamped between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42 and fixed thereto. Furthermore, the pair of cap screws 50 are rotated forward to press the clamping plate 44 towards the plate 42 with the cap screws 50, whereby the second connector CN2 is clamped and fixed between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42.

[0041] The second support portion 32 supports the second holding portion 30, and in this embodiment, the second support portion 32 is reciprocated by a reciprocating member 2408 (reciprocating portion 24). The second support portion 32 is configured with a second connecting post 3202 having a rectangular cross section.

[0042] The upper end of the second connecting pole 3202 is connected to a lower plate portion 2408B of the reciprocating member 2408, and the lower end of the second connecting pole 3202 is connected to a rear plate main body portion 4002A of the second holding portion 30 which will be described later. In detail, an upper screw hole (not shown) and a lower screw hole (not shown) are formed at the upper and lower ends of the second connecting post 3202, respectively.

[0043] The upper end of the second connecting column 3202 is overlapped from below on the lower surface of the lower plate portion 2408B of the reciprocating member 2408, and a bolt B2 inserted through a screw insertion hole (not shown) from above the lower plate portion 2408B is screwed into the upper screw hole of the second connecting column 3202, thereby connecting the second connecting column 3202 to the lower plate portion 2408B. In addition, the lower end of the second connecting column 3202 is overlapped from above on the bottom surface of a recess (not shown) of the rear plate main body portion 4002A of the second holding part 30 described later, and the second connecting column 3202 is connected to the second holding part 30 by a bolt (not shown) inserted through a screw insertion hole (not shown) from below the recess and screwing into the lower screw hole of the second connecting column 3202.

[0044] In this manner, the second holding portion 30 is connected to the reciprocating moving portion 24 via the second support portion 32, and therefore the second holding portion 30 is configured to move upward and downward integrally with the second support portion 32 between an upper limit position and a lower limit position. Incidentally, various conventionally known structures can be adopted for the above-mentioned reciprocating moving part 24, second holding part 30, and second support part 32, but using the above-mentioned reciprocating moving part 24, second holding part 30, and second support part 32 simplifies the device and is also advantageous in ensuring that the second connector CN2 moves reciprocatingly in a straight line.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8(B), the first holding portion 26 holds the first connector CN1 with the mating portion CN12 of the first connector CN1 facing upward, and is attached to the base 12 via the first support portion 28 described later. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first retaining portion 26 is configured to include a retaining portion main body 40, a plate 42, a clamping plate 44, a clamping plate guide portion 46, a screw member 48, and a pair of cap screws 50.

[0046] The holder body 40 includes a rear plate portion 4002 and a front plate portion 4004 . The rear plate portion 4002 includes a rear plate main body portion 4002A and a pair of side plate portions 4002B. The rear panel main body portion 4002A has a rectangular cross section and is elongated in the left-right direction of the base 12. The pair of side plate portions 4002B protrude forward of the base 12 from both ends of the rear plate main body portion 4002A. Of the rear plate main body portion 4002A, the surface facing the front of the base 12 between the pair of side plate portions 4002B is a rear inner surface 4012. A recess 4014 having a rectangular shape in plan view is provided in the center of the longitudinal direction of the underside of the rear plate main body portion 4002A, and a screw insertion hole 4016 is formed in the bottom surface 4014A of the recess 4014 so as to extend vertically (see Figure 15, etc.). The upper end of a first connecting post 2802 having a rectangular cross section is inserted into this recess 4014, and the upper end of the first connecting post 2802 is connected to the lower surface of the rear panel main body portion 4002A by a bolt B3 that passes through a screw insertion hole 4016.

[0047] The front panel portion 4004 has the same length as the rear panel main body portion 4002A, has a rectangular cross section, and is elongated in the left-right direction of the base 12. Both ends of the front plate portion 4004 are connected to the tips of the pair of side plate portions 4002B via bolts B4. A first screw hole (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction of the base 12 is formed through the center of the front plate portion 4004 in the longitudinal direction. A pair of second screw holes (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction of the base 12 are formed through the front plate portion 4004 at locations near both ends in the longitudinal direction. The surface of the front panel portion 4004 facing the rear inner surface 4012 of the rear panel main body portion 4002A is a front inner surface 4018.

[0048] The plate 42 is disposed so as to overlap the rear inner surface 4012 of the rear panel portion 4002, and is attached by bolts (not shown).

[0049] The clamping plate 44 is disposed in the space between the plate 42 and the front inner surface 4018 of the front plate portion 4004 between the pair of side plate portions 4002B so as to be movable in the front-rear direction of the base 12. The surface of the clamping plate 44 facing the plate 42 is a clamping surface 4402 .

[0050] The clamping plate guide portion 46 guides the clamping plate 44 movably in a direction toward and away from the plate 42 in the space between the front inner surface 4018 and the plate 42 . The clamping plate guide portion 46 includes a pair of guide pins 4602 and a pair of guide bushes 4604 . The pair of guide pins 4602 protrude from the clamping plate 44 toward the front plate portion 4004 at positions near both ends of the clamping plate 44 . The pair of guide bushes 4604 are provided near both ends of the front plate portion 4004, and a pair of guide pins 4602 are inserted into the pair of guide bushes 4604, respectively. Therefore, the clamping plate 44 is supported so that the clamping surface 4402 thereof is movable in a direction toward and away from the plate 42 via the guide pin 4602 and the guide bush 4604 .

[0051] The screw member 48 has a male threaded portion which is screwed into the first screw hole from the front of the front plate portion 4004, and a connecting portion (not shown) provided at the tip of the male threaded portion is connected to the center position of the clamping plate 44 in the longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable but immovable in the thickness direction of the clamping plate 44. Therefore, by rotating the screw member 48 forward or backward, the clamping plate 44 moves in a direction toward or away from the plate 42 .

[0052] A pair of cap screws 50 have their male threaded portions screwed into the second screw holes from the front of the front plate portion 4004, and are configured so that the tips of their male threaded portions abut the surface of the clamping plate 44 opposite the clamping surface 4402, thereby pressing the clamping plate 44 toward the plate 42.

[0053] Therefore, the screw member 48 and the pair of cap screws 50 are rotated in the reverse direction to form a space between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42, and the first connector CN1 is inserted into that space with the insertion / removal direction facing upward.The screw member 48 is then rotated in the forward direction to clamp the first connector CN1 between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42, and the pair of cap screws 50 are rotated in the forward direction to press the clamping plate 44 toward the plate 42 with the cap screws 50, thereby securely clamping the first connector CN1 between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42.

[0054] The first support portion supports the first holding portion , and in this embodiment, the first holding portion is supported by the base 12 via the first support portion . As shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, the first support portion 28 includes a support frame member 60, a housing member 62, a movement preventing portion 70, a biasing portion 72, and a movement and rotation allowing portion 74.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the support frame member 60 has a rectangular frame shape and is provided at the center with a receiving portion 6002 having a square cross section that extends in the vertical direction, which is the insertion / removal direction of the first connector CN1. In this embodiment, the accommodating portion 6002 is provided so as to penetrate the support frame member 60 in the insertion / removal direction of the connector. The inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion 6002 is made up of four rectangular inner side surfaces 6004 , and the outer circumferential surface of the support frame member 60 is made up of four rectangular outer side surfaces 6006 . The support frame member 60 has an upper surface 6008 with four corners each having a female screw 60A formed therein. Furthermore, the support frame member 60 is provided with female screws 60B that penetrate from the centers of the four outer sides 6006 to the centers of the four inner sides 6004 of the accommodation portion 6002, respectively. A ball plunger 64 is coupled to each female thread 60B.

[0056] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, ball plunger 64 includes a male thread 6402 that screws into female thread 60B, a hard ball 6404 (protrusion) housed inside male thread 6402, and a coil spring (not shown), and in this embodiment, a commercially available product is used. The hard ball 6404 is biased by a coil spring in a direction in which it protrudes from the tip of the male screw 6402, and is biased to a protruding position. When a load is applied in the opposite direction to the direction in which the steel ball 6404 protrudes, the steel ball 6404 retracts from the protruding position toward the inside of the male screw 6402, and when the load is removed, the steel ball 6404 returns to its original protruding position due to the biasing force of the coil spring.

[0057] Further, a mounting recess 60C extending in the front-rear direction of the base 12 is formed in the middle of a pair of opposing outer side surfaces 6006 of the support frame member 60 in the up-down direction. The support frame member 60 is fixed to the base 12 in the center between the pair of support posts 14 . In this embodiment, the support frame member 60 is detachably attached to the base 12 via a pair of fixing plates 34 .

[0058] The fixing plate 34 has an elongated shape with a thickness that allows it to engage with the mounting recess 60C of the support frame member 60. A long groove 34A for inserting a bolt is formed along the extending direction of the fixing plate 34 near one end in the extending direction of the fixing plate 34 (see FIG. 1). A protrusion 3402 is provided on the underside of the fixing plate 34 near the other end in the extending direction, the tip of which contacts the base 12 when one end of the fixing plate 34 in the extending direction is engaged with the mounting recess 60C (see Figure 2, etc.). The support frame member 60 is fixed to the base 12 by engaging one longitudinal end of the fixing plate 34 with each of a pair of mounting recesses 60C of the support frame member 60, screwing a bolt B5 inserted through the long groove 34A into a female thread (not shown) of the base 12, and fastening the support frame member 60 onto the base 12 using the fixing plate 34 via the mounting recesses 60C.

[0059] The accommodation member 62 is connected to the first holding portion 26 via a first connecting post 2802 , and is disposed while being accommodated in the accommodation portion 6002 . The accommodating member 62 has a rectangular cross section corresponding to the accommodating portion 6002 , and the outer circumferential surface of the accommodating member 62 is formed by four outer surfaces 6202 that face the four inner surfaces 6004 of the inner circumferential surface of the accommodating portion 6002 . When the accommodation member 62 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 6002 , a gap S is interposed between the four outer side surfaces 6202 and the four inner side surfaces 6004 . In this embodiment, the movement and rotation allowing portion 74, which allows movement of the accommodating member 62 within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction within the accommodating portion 6002, and rotation of the accommodating member 62 within a predetermined angle range around the insertion / removal direction within the accommodating portion 6002, is composed of four inner surfaces 6004 of the accommodating portion 6002 of the support frame member 60, four outer surfaces 6202 of the accommodating member 62, and a gap S. Although it depends on the size and shape of the connector, for example, the specified range for movement within a specified range is within 0.5 mm, and the specified angle range for rotation within a specified angle range is, for example, within the range of -1 degree to +1 degree.

[0060] A recess 6204 that is open upward and rectangular in plan view is provided in the center of the housing member 62, and a screw insertion hole 6206 is formed through the bottom wall of this recess 6204. As shown in FIG. 15, the lower end of the first connecting pole 2802 is received in this recess 6204 , and the lower end of the first connecting pole 2802 is integrally joined to the receiving member 62 by a bolt B 6 inserted into the screw insertion hole 6206 .

[0061] Furthermore, when the accommodation member 62 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 6002, an engagement recess 62A with which the steel ball 6404 engages is provided at a location on the outer side surface 6202 corresponding to the steel ball 6404 of each ball plunger 64. The engagement recess 62A is provided so that the hard balls 6404 of the ball plungers 64 press against each outer surface 6202 in a stable state, whereby the four ball plungers 64 urge the accommodating member 62 in a stable state so that the center position of the accommodating member 62 is located at the center position of the accommodating section 6002. Therefore, in this embodiment, the four ball plungers 64 constitute the biasing portion 72 that biases the accommodation member 62 so as to be positioned at the center of the accommodation portion 6002.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the cover plate 66 is attached to the upper surface of the support frame member 60 with the accommodation member 62 inserted into the accommodation portion 6002. The cover plate 66 has a rectangular frame shape, and is provided at the center with an opening 6602 whose outline is larger than the cross section of the first connecting post 2802 . The outer edge of the cover plate 66 is formed into a square of the same size as the contour of the top surface of the support frame member 60, and the cover plate 66 is attached to the top surface of the support frame member 60 by bolts inserted into bolt insertion holes 66A at the four corners of the cover plate 66 and screwing into the female threads 60A of the support frame member 60.

[0063] When the storage member 62 is accommodated in the storage section 6002 and the cover plate 66 is attached to the support frame member 60, the lower surface of the cover plate 66 and the upper surface of the storage member 62 are in light contact with each other so as to allow the storage member 62 to rotate within the storage section 6002. Therefore, since the support frame member 60 is fixed onto the base 12 and the cover plate 66 is attached to the upper surface of the support frame member 60, the accommodation member 62 is accommodated in the accommodation portion 6002 so as to be immovable in the direction of inserting and removing the connector. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the base 12 is positioned on the underside of the accommodating member 62, and the cover plate 66 is positioned around the upper surface of the accommodating member 62, so that the base 12 and the cover plate 66 form a movement prevention section 70 that prevents the accommodating member 62 from moving in the insertion / removal direction of the connector when the accommodating member 62 is accommodated in the accommodating section 6002 and is inserted or removed.

[0064] The operation of the connector insertion / removal test device 10 will be described below. In the initial state, no connectors are held by the first holding portion 26 and the second holding portion 30, the lift plate 18 is positioned above the base 12, and therefore the second holding portion 30 is positioned above the first holding portion 26. Additionally, the screw members 48 and the pair of cap screws 50 of both the first holding portion 26 and the second holding portion 30 are operated to form a space between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42 .

[0065] The first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 to be tested are previously brought into a mated state. Next, with the first connector CN1 positioned downward and the second connector CN2 positioned upward, the second connector CN2 is inserted into the space of the second holding portion 30, and the screw member 48 and the pair of cap screws 50 are operated to clamp the second connector CN2 between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42. Therefore, the first connector CN1 is located below the second connector CN2.

[0066] Next, the motor 2402 of the reciprocating unit 24 is rotated to position the second holding unit 30 at the lower limit position. The stopper lever 2214 of the height adjustment device 22 is swung from the fixed position to the movable position to allow the lift plate 18 to move, and the handle 2210 is rotated to lower the lift plate 18 and insert the first connector CN1 into the space in the first holding portion 26. Then, the screw member 48 of the first holding portion 26 and the pair of cap screws 50 are operated to clamp the first connector CN1 between the clamping plate 44 and the plate 42.

[0067] In this state, the first support portion 28 is positioned on the base 12, and then the support frame member 60 of the first support portion 28 is fixed onto the base 12 via the fixing plate 34 and bolts B5. As a result, as shown in Figure 15, the base 12 is positioned on the underside of the accommodating member 62 and the cover plate 66 is positioned around the upper surface of the accommodating member 62, so that the movement prevention section 70 formed by the base 12 and the cover plate 66 prevents the connector of the accommodating member 62 accommodated in the accommodating section 6002 from moving in the insertion / removal direction during insertion or removal.

[0068] Next, the stopper lever 2214 of the height adjustment device 22 is swung from the movable position to a fixed position to fix the position of the lifting plate 18, and then the motor 2402 of the reciprocating unit 24 is slowly rotated to raise and lower the second holding unit 30 between the lower limit position and the upper limit position. This allows the second connector CN2 to be inserted into or removed from the first connector CN1.

[0069] Here, we check whether there is any positional misalignment between the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 in the insertion / removal direction, or whether there is any positional misalignment between the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction, i.e., whether the insertion / removal operation of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 is performed normally. If the above-mentioned positional misalignment has occurred, operate the height adjustment device 22 to adjust the height position of the second holding part 30, and also adjust the position of the first holding part 26 on the base 12 to adjust the position of the first connector CN1 relative to the second connector CN2 in the direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction, and then perform the above-mentioned operation check again. If there is no positional deviation, the insertion and removal operations of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 are normal, so the reciprocating unit 24 is controlled by a control device (not shown) to start an insertion and removal test. That is, a control device (not shown) rotates motor 2402 at a predetermined rotational speed, and the second connector CN2 held by second holding portion 30 is raised and lowered by reciprocating moving portion 24, so that the second connector CN2 is repeatedly inserted and removed from the first connector CN1 held by first holding portion 26 fixed to base 12.

[0070] Such insertion and removal of the connector is repeated until a predetermined number of insertions and removals is reached, which is preset in the control device. When the number of insertions and removals reaches the set number of insertions and removals, the control device stops the rotation of the motor 2402. After the insertion / removal test is completed, electrical and mechanical measurements are made on the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2, and their durability is evaluated.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the first support portion 28 comprises a support frame member 60 having a accommodating portion 6002 having a plurality of inner circumferential surfaces (inner surface 6004), a accommodating member 62 connected to the first holding portion 26 and having a plurality of outer circumferential surfaces (outer surface 6202), which is accommodated in the accommodating portion 6002 so as to be immovable in the insertion / removal direction with a gap S interposed between each outer circumferential surface and each inner circumferential surface, a biasing portion 72 (ball plunger 64) that biases the accommodating member 62 to be positioned at the center of the accommodating portion 6002, and a movement / rotation allowing portion 74 (inner surface 6004 of the accommodating portion 6002, outer surface 6202 of the accommodating member 62, and gap S) that allows movement of the accommodating member 62 within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction within the accommodating portion 6002 and rotation of the accommodating member 62 within a predetermined angle range around the insertion / removal direction within the accommodating portion 6002. Therefore, even if the relative positions and postures of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 do not match strictly, the accommodating member 62 can move within a specified range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the connectors, or rotate within a specified angle range around the insertion / removal direction, so that the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 can be smoothly mated without excessive force being applied to the terminals during mating. This is advantageous in performing an insertion / removal test under conditions equivalent to manual insertion / removal of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2, and is advantageous in improving the reliability of the insertion / removal test.

[0072] Furthermore, when the movement and rotation allowing portion 74 is formed by the inner surface of the accommodating portion 6002 and the outer surface of the accommodating member 62, the cross-sectional shape of the accommodating portion 6002 and the accommodating member 62 may be, for example, a polygon such as a triangle, a pentagon, or a hexagon, or may be an ellipse. However, when the cross section of both the accommodating section 6002 and the accommodating member 62 are formed into a rectangular shape as in this embodiment, the shape becomes simple and easy to process, so that the gap S can be formed accurately and reliably, which is advantageous for manufacturing the movement and rotation allowing section 74 with precision. Therefore, the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 can be smoothly mated with each other without excessive force being applied to the terminals during mating, which is advantageous in improving the reliability of the mating / unmating test.

[0073] In addition, the biasing portion 72 may be constructed of a plurality of coil springs or leaf springs provided on the support frame member 60. However, if the biasing portion 72 is constructed of a ball plunger 64 as in this embodiment, the plurality of hard balls 6404 press against each outer surface 6202 of the accommodating member 62 from directions perpendicular to each outer surface 6202, which is advantageous in positioning the accommodating member 62 in a stable state in the center of the accommodating portion 6002. Therefore, the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 can be smoothly mated with each other without excessive force being applied to the terminals during mating, which is advantageous in improving the reliability of the mating / unmating test. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by rotating the male screw 6402 of the ball plunger 64, the pressing force of the hard ball 6404 against the outer surface 6202 of the containing member 62 can be adjusted. Therefore, when the pressing force of the hard ball 6404 is weak, the pressing force is increased, and when the pressing force of the hard ball 6404 is strong, the pressing force is decreased, which is advantageous in positioning the accommodating member 62 in the center of the accommodating section 6002 with an appropriate pressing force being applied, and this is advantageous in smoothly mating the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 without applying excessive force to the terminals during mating, and in improving the reliability of the insertion / removal test.

[0074] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an engagement recess 62A recessed into the inside of the outer surface 6202 is provided at the portion of the outer surface 6202 where the hard ball 6404 is pressed, which is advantageous in ensuring that the pressing force of the hard ball 6404 is applied to the outer surface 6202 of the accommodating member 62. This is advantageous in positioning the accommodating member 62 in a stable state in the center of the accommodating portion 6002, and is advantageous in smoothly mating the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2, thereby improving the reliability of insertion / removal tests.

[0075] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the support frame member 60 of the first support portion 28 is fixed onto the base 12, a cover plate 66 is attached to the upper surface of the support frame member 60 located opposite the base 12, and the accommodating member 62 is supported within the accommodating portion 6002 by the base 12 and the cover plate 66 so as not to be able to move in the direction of inserting and removing the connector. Therefore, the structure of the movement prevention portion 70 (base 12, cover plate 66) that prevents movement of the accommodating member 62 in the insertion / removal direction of the connector when the accommodating member 62 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 6002 can be simplified, and since movement of the accommodating member 62 in the insertion / removal direction of the connector can be reliably prevented, it is advantageous in enabling the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 to be smoothly inserted and removed, and improving the reliability of the insertion / removal test.

[0076] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In the following embodiment, the same parts and members as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences. In the second embodiment, the structure of the biasing portion 72 that biases the storage member 62 to be positioned at the center of the storage portion 6002 differs from that of the first embodiment, and the configuration other than the biasing portion 72 is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, the biasing portion 72 in the second embodiment is composed of a rubber plate 80 arranged in the gap S between the inner surface (inner surface 6004) of the accommodating portion 6002 and the outer surface (outer surface 6202) of the accommodating member 62 in a compressed state between the inner and outer surfaces.

[0077] Four rubber plates 80 are provided and are interposed between the four inner sides 6004 of the storage portion 6002 and the four outer sides 6202 of the storage member 62, respectively. The rubber plate 80 urges the containing member 62 to be positioned at the center of the containing portion 6002 . In the second embodiment, a rubber plate 80 is placed in the gap S, and the movement and rotation allowing portion 74 must be formed to allow movement of the accommodating member 62 within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the connector within the accommodating portion 6002, and rotation of the accommodating member 62 within a predetermined angle range around the insertion / removal direction of the connector within the accommodating portion 6002, so the gap S has a slightly larger dimension than in the first embodiment. The second embodiment as described above also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0078] In this embodiment, a movement and rotation allowing portion 74 is formed by the inner surface (inner side surface 6004) of the accommodating portion 6002, the outer surface (outer side surface 6202) of the accommodating member 62, and the gap S between them, which allows movement of the accommodating member 62 within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the connector within the accommodating portion 6002, and rotation of the accommodating member 62 within a predetermined angle range around the insertion / removal direction of the connector within the accommodating portion 6002. However, the configuration of the movement and rotation allowing portion is not limited to the above. For example, if the accommodating portion is formed as a cylindrical recess, the accommodating member is formed cylindrical, and the accommodating member is accommodated in the accommodating portion with a gap S between the inner surface of the accommodating portion and the outer surface of the accommodating member, a groove extending circumferentially for a predetermined length can be formed on the outer surface of the accommodating member, and a stopper can be provided that protrudes into this groove from the inner surface of the accommodating portion, and the groove and stopper can form a movement and rotation allowing portion.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, the case has been described in which the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 are inserted and removed in the vertical direction by the reciprocating moving part 24, but the insertion and removal direction may be horizontal or a direction intersecting the vertical and horizontal directions, and is arbitrary. In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention has been described as being applied to the first support part 28 fixed to the base 12, but the present invention may also be applied to the second support part 32 moved by the reciprocating moving part 24, or may be applied to both the first support part 28 and the second support part 32.

[0080] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an insertion / removal direction biasing portion is provided that constantly biases the housing member in a direction in which the housing member abuts against the cover plate. As shown in FIG. 17, the first support portion 28 includes a support frame member 60, a housing member 62, a movement preventing portion 70, a biasing portion 72, and a movement and rotation allowing portion 74.

[0081] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the support frame member 60, like the first embodiment, has a rectangular frame shape and has an accommodating portion 6002 with a square cross-section penetrating the center in the insertion / removal direction of the connector. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, a cover plate 66 is attached to an upper surface 6008 of the support frame member 60 located opposite the base 12. The cover plate 66 has a rectangular frame shape, and is provided in the center with an opening 6602 whose outline is larger than the cross section of the first connecting post 2802 and smaller than the cross section of the housing member 62 . The outer edge of the cover plate 66 is formed into a square of the same size as the outline of the upper surface 6008 of the support frame member 60, and the cover plate 66 is attached to the upper surface 6008 of the support frame member 60 by bolts inserted into the bolt insertion holes 66A at the four corners of the cover plate 66 and screwing into the female threads 60A of the support frame member 60.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 17, a bottom plate 82 is attached to the lower surface 6010 of the support frame member 60 located on the base 12 side. The outer edge of the bottom plate 82 is formed into a square having the same size as the outline of the lower surface 6010 of the support frame member 60 . Therefore, the cover plate 66 is attached to an upper surface 6008 of the support frame member 60 located on the first support portion 28 side, and the bottom plate 82 is attached to a lower surface 6010 of the support frame member 60 located opposite the upper surface 6008. As shown in FIG. 19, the support frame member 60 has four corners on a lower surface 6010 thereof provided with female threads 60D. The bottom plate 82 has four corners each provided with a screw insertion hole 82A and a countersunk hole 82B formed coaxially with the screw insertion hole 82A. The bottom plate 82 is attached to the underside 6010 of the support frame member 60 by having its upper surface 8202 overlap the underside 6010 of the support frame member 60 and having bolts B7 inserted through the four screw insertion holes 82A screwed into the female threads 60D at the four corners of the underside 6010 of the support frame member 60. By attaching the bottom plate 82 to the lower surface 6010 of the support frame member 60 in this manner, the lower portion of the accommodation portion 6002 of the support frame member 60 is closed. By positioning the head of bolt B7 in the countersink 82B, the head of bolt B7 is positioned above the lower surface 8204 of the bottom plate 82, and the head of bolt B7 is prevented from interfering with the base 12 when the support frame member 60 is attached to the base 12.

[0083] As shown in Figure 21, the accommodating member 62 is arranged between the cover plate 66 and the bottom plate 82 within the accommodating section 6002 so as to be movable in the insertion / removal direction; in other words, the accommodating member 62 is arranged between the cover plate 66 and the bottom plate 82 so as to be movable in the insertion / removal direction relative to the support frame member 60. That is, the dimension from the lower surface 6212 to the upper surface 6210 of the containing member 62 is smaller than the dimension from the lower surface 6610 of the cover plate 66 to the upper surface 8202 of the bottom plate 82 . As shown in FIG. 20, the housing member 62 has four female threads 62B and four adjustment holes 62C that are coaxially arranged. That is, at the four corners of the lower surface 6212 of the accommodating member 62, female threads 62B are formed from the lower surface 6212 to a position close to the upper surface 6210 along the connector insertion / removal direction. At the four corners of the upper surface 6210 of the accommodating member 62, adjustment holes 62C having a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the female thread 62B are formed coaxially with the female thread 62B, and the adjustment holes 62C communicate with the female thread 62B.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 21, a ball plunger 84 is coupled to each female screw 62B. The ball plunger 84 includes a male thread 8402 that screws into the female thread 62B, a hard ball 8404 (protrusion) housed inside the male thread 8402, and a coil spring (not shown), and is a commercially available product, similar to the ball plunger 64 of the first embodiment. Also, similar to ball plunger 64 in the first embodiment, hard ball 8404 is biased to the protruding position by a coil spring, and when a load is applied to hard ball 8404 in the opposite direction to the direction in which it protrudes, it retracts from the protruding position toward the inside of male thread 8402, and when the load is removed, it returns to its original protruding position due to the biasing force of the coil spring.

[0085] In this embodiment, with a ball plunger 84 coupled to each female screw 62B, a cover plate 66 attached to the upper surface 6008 of the support frame member 60, and a bottom plate 82 attached to the lower surface 6010, the ball plunger 84 can be rotated in the forward or reverse direction using a tool (driver) inserted through the adjustment hole 62C, thereby moving the ball plunger 84 in a direction toward or away from the bottom plate 82. By moving the ball plunger 84 in a direction approaching the bottom plate 82 and pressing the hard ball 8404 against the upper surface 8202 of the bottom plate 82, the upper surface 6210 of the accommodating member 62 is brought into contact with the lower surface 6610 of the cover plate 66 by the biasing force of the coil spring. At this time, a gap S1 is secured between the lower surface 6212 of the housing member 62 and the upper surface 8202 of the bottom plate . Therefore, in the third embodiment, the four ball plungers 84 constitute an insertion / removal direction biasing portion 86 that constantly biases the accommodating member 62 in a direction in which the accommodating member 62 abuts against the cover plate 66. At this time, the biasing force of the insertion / removal direction biasing portion 86 is adjusted by adjusting the amount of movement of the ball plunger 84 with a tool, and is set to be greater than the force required to fit the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 together. Therefore, the movement preventing portion 70, which prevents movement of the accommodating member 62 in the insertion / removal direction when the accommodating member 62 is accommodated in the accommodating portion 6002 and is inserted / removed, is composed of the cover plate 66, the bottom plate 82, and the insertion / removal direction biasing portion 86. In addition, when the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 are mated, it means that the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 are joined in a perfect state. Therefore, when a force greater than the force required to join the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 in a perfect state acts on the accommodating member 62, the hard ball 8404 of the ball plunger 84 will be immersed in the ball plunger 84.

[0086] Next, the effects of the third embodiment will be described. In the insertion / removal test, the second connector CN2 held by the second holding portion 30 is raised and lowered by the reciprocating moving portion 24, and the second connector CN2 is repeatedly inserted and removed from the first connector CN1 held by the first holding portion 26 fixed to the base 12. At this time, if the relative positions of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 in the connector insertion / removal direction are appropriate, the mating state of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 will be appropriate. On the other hand, if the relative positions are too close, there is a concern that the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 will be fitted together too far, resulting in an excessive load being applied to these connectors. That is, if the relative positions are too close, the insertion / removal test becomes inappropriate. Furthermore, even if the relative position is appropriate in the initial stage of the insertion / removal test, if the relative position changes little by little as the insertion / removal operation is repeated, the relative position will deviate from the appropriate relative position, making the insertion / removal test inappropriate.

[0087] Therefore, in the third embodiment, the accommodating member 62 is arranged between the cover plate 66 and the bottom plate 82 so that it can move in the insertion / removal direction relative to the support frame member 60, and an insertion / removal direction biasing portion 86 is provided which constantly biases the accommodating member 62 in the direction of abutting the cover plate 66, and the biasing force of the insertion / removal direction biasing portion 86 is set to be greater than the force required to engage the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2. Therefore, when the second connector CN2 approaches the first connector CN1 and mates with it due to the operation of the reciprocating part 24, the hard balls 8404 of each ball plunger 84 do not sink into the ball plunger 84, and the second connector CN2 and the first connector CN1 are securely mated with each other. In this case, if the relative positions of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 in the connector insertion / removal direction are appropriate, the mating state of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 will be appropriate. However, if the second connector CN2 is repeatedly inserted and removed from the first connector CN1, and the relative positions of the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 in the insertion and removal direction become closer than the initial position, the first connector CN1 will continue to be pressed by the second connector CN2 even after the second connector CN2 and the first connector CN1 are securely mated, the force acting on the first connector CN1 will become greater than the force required to mating the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2, the first connector CN1 will be forcibly displaced toward the bottom plate 82, and the hard balls 8404 of each ball plunger 84 will be submerged in the ball plunger 84. This is advantageous in preventing the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 from being subjected to an excessive load, and thus preventing damage to the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved: The mating state between the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 can be made appropriate, which is more advantageous in performing an insertion / removal test under the same conditions as when the first connector CN1 and the second connector CN2 are inserted and removed manually, and is even more advantageous in improving the reliability of the insertion / removal test. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10. Connector insertion / removal test equipment 12 Foundation 14 Posts 16 Tabletop 18 Lifting plate 20 Lifting guide section 22 Height adjustment device 24 Reciprocating section 26 1st holding part 28 1st support part 30 Second holding part 32 Second support part 34 Fixing plate 34A long groove 40 Holding unit body 42 Plate 44 Holding plate 46 Clamping plate guide part 48 Screw member 50 Cap screw 60 Support frame member 60A Female Thread 60B Female thread 6002 Storage unit 6004 Inner surface 6006 External surface 6008 Top surface 6010 Bottom surface 60C Mounting recess 60D Female thread 62 Storage material 62A Engagement recess 62B female thread 62C adjustment hole 6202 External surface 6204 Recess 6206 Screw insertion hole 6210 Top 6212 Bottom side 64 Ball Plunger 6402 Male thread 6404 Hardball 66 Lid plate 66A Bolt insertion hole 6602 Opening 6610 Bottom surface 70 Movement prevention part 72 Pressurizing part 74 Movement and rotation allowance section 80 Rubber Sheet 82 Bottom plate 82A Screw insertion hole 82B Counterbore 8202 Top side 8204 Bottom surface 84 Ball Plunger 8402 Male thread 8404 Hardball 86 Insertion / removal direction biasing part B1~B7 Bolts CN1 1st connector CN2 Second connector S, S1 gap

Claims

1. A connector insertion / removal test device comprising: a first holding part that holds a first connector; a first support part that supports the first holding part; a second holding part that holds a second connector; and a second support part that supports the second holding part; and at least one of the first support part and the second support part is reciprocated in an insertion / removal direction to insert or remove the first connector and the second connector, At least one of the first support portion and the second support portion is a support frame member having a housing portion extending in the insertion / removal direction; a housing member connected to at least one of the first holding portion and the second holding portion, having an outer circumferential surface facing an inner circumferential surface of the housing portion, and housed in the housing portion with a gap between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface; a movement prevention portion that prevents movement of the accommodation member in the insertion / removal direction during the insertion / removal in a state in which the accommodation member is accommodated in the accommodation portion; a biasing portion that biases the storage member so as to be positioned at the center of the storage portion; a movement and rotation allowing section that allows movement of the housing member within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction within the housing section and rotation of the housing member within a predetermined angle range around the insertion and removal direction within the housing section; Equipped with The housing portion is provided to penetrate the support frame member in the insertion / removal direction, At least one of the support frame members of the first support portion and the second support portion is fixed on a base, A cover plate is attached to an upper surface of the support frame member opposite the base, The movement prevention portion is composed of the base and the cover plate.

2. A connector insertion / removal test device comprising:

2. A connector insertion / removal test device comprising a first holding part that holds a first connector, a first support part that supports the first holding part, a second holding part that holds a second connector, and a second support part that supports the second holding part, and at least one of the first support part and the second support part is moved back and forth in an insertion / removal direction to insert and remove the first connector and the second connector, At least one of the first support portion and the second support portion is a support frame member having a housing portion extending in the insertion / removal direction; a housing member connected to at least one of the first holding portion and the second holding portion, having an outer circumferential surface facing an inner circumferential surface of the housing portion, and housed in the housing portion with a gap between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface; a movement prevention portion that prevents movement of the accommodation member in the insertion / removal direction during the insertion / removal in a state in which the accommodation member is accommodated in the accommodation portion; a biasing portion that biases the storage member so as to be positioned at the center of the storage portion; a movement and rotation allowing section that allows movement of the housing member within a predetermined range in a direction perpendicular to the insertion and removal direction within the housing section and rotation of the housing member within a predetermined angle range around the insertion and removal direction within the housing section; Equipped with The housing portion is provided to penetrate the support frame member in the insertion / removal direction, At least one of the support frame members of the first support portion and the second support portion is fixed so as to be immovable in the insertion / removal direction, a cover plate is attached to an upper surface of the support frame member located on the first support portion or the second support portion side; A bottom plate is attached to a lower surface of the support frame member opposite the upper surface, the housing member is disposed between the cover plate and the bottom plate so as to be movable in the insertion / removal direction relative to the support frame member, an insertion / removal direction biasing portion that constantly biases the housing member in a direction in which the housing member abuts against the cover plate; the biasing force of the insertion / removal direction biasing portion is set to be greater than a force required for fitting the first connector and the second connector together, The movement prevention portion is configured to include the cover plate, the bottom plate, and the insertion / removal direction biasing portion.

2. A connector insertion / removal test device comprising:

3. the biasing portion is configured with a plurality of ball plungers provided on the support frame member and having hard balls protruding from the inner peripheral surface and pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the housing member, 3. The connector insertion / extraction test device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An engagement recess is provided on the outer circumferential surface at a portion where the hard ball is pressed, the engagement recess being recessed inwardly of the outer circumferential surface.

4. The connector insertion / extraction test device according to claim 3.

5. The biasing portion is configured with a rubber plate disposed in the gap in a state compressed by the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface.

3. The connector insertion / extraction test device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The housing portion and the housing member are both formed with a rectangular cross section, The inner circumferential surface of the housing portion is composed of four inner surfaces, The outer circumferential surface of the housing member is composed of four outer surfaces, The movement and rotation allowing portion is composed of the four inner surfaces, the four outer surfaces, and the gaps formed between the inner surfaces and the outer surfaces.

6. The connector insertion / removal test device according to claim 1, wherein the connector insertion / removal test device is a connector insertion / removal test device.

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