Connector connection device

Abstract

To provide a connector connection device which inhibits occurrence of poor connection of a pair of connectors and enables smooth connection.SOLUTION: A connector connection device 1 includes: a first base 10 having a first connector 11; a second base 20 having a second connector 21; a holding mechanism part 30; and a drive mechanism part 40. Connector pins 12 are provided at the first base 10 and guide pins 33 are provided at the holding mechanism part 30. Connector pin holes 22 and guide pin holes 23 are provided at the second base 20. Each guide pin 33 starts insertion into the guide pin hole 23 before start of insertion of the connector pin 12 into the connector pin hole 22 and guides the connector pin 12 so that its pin tip 12a is inserted fitted in an opening range of the connector pin hole 22 when the first base 10 is moved in a connector connection direction X1 by the drive mechanism part 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a connector connection device.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a die changing device. As this type of die changing device, there is known one provided with a bolster for loading and unloading a lower die into a press working machine that performs press working. After setting the bolster at the die loading position with respect to the press working machine, one connector base provided on the press working machine side is driven by an actuator toward the other connector base provided on the bolster. Thereby, the connector of one connector base can be automatically brought into close contact with the connector of the other connector base to be electrically connected.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0007] In the connector connection device according to the above embodiment, the first base having the first connector and the second base having the second connector are moved relative to each other in the connector connection direction by the drive mechanism. At this time, any misalignment between the first base and the second base in a direction perpendicular to the connector connection direction is absorbed by the function of the holding mechanism. At this time, the guide pin begins to be inserted into the connector pinhole before the insertion of the cone-shaped connector pin into the connector pinhole begins, thereby guiding the connector pin so that its tip is inserted within the opening range of the connector pinhole.

[0008] With the connector connection device configured as described above, even if the connector pins are misaligned relative to the connector pinhole in a direction perpendicular to the connector connection direction, the guide pins can guide the tips of the connector pins into the opening range of the connector pinhole. Subsequently, the connector pins are inserted into the connector pinhole so that their axis aligns with the axis of the connector pinhole, thanks to the misalignment absorption function of the holding mechanism. The first and second connectors are then connected to each other at the predetermined connection position when the guide pins and connector pins have been inserted. This ensures that the first and second connectors are reliably connected, even if the connector pins are misaligned relative to the connector pinhole due to misalignment between the first and second connectors. Furthermore, by using the drive mechanism to move the first and second bases relative to each other in the connector connection direction, the connection between the first and second connectors can be performed automatically and smoothly.

[0009] As described above, according to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a connector connection device that can smoothly connect a pair of connectors while suppressing the occurrence of connection failures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A side view showing the configuration of a press machine according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A perspective view of the first base and retaining mechanism of the connector connection device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a front view taken from the direction of arrow A. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV. [Figure 5] A perspective view of the second base of the connector connection device of Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a front view taken from the direction of arrow B. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8]A diagram showing the connector connection device of Embodiment 1 in a standby state where the first base and the second base are in their respective first positions. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the state when the first base in FIG. 8 moves from the first position to the second position. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the state when the first base in FIG. 9 moves from the second position to the third position. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the state when the first base in FIG. 10 moves from the third position to the connector connection position. [Figure 12] A diagram showing the connector connection device of Embodiment 2 in a standby state where the first base and the second base are in their respective first positions.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the above aspects will be described below.

[0012] In the connector connection device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the connector pins are provided on both sides of the first connector across the first connector on the first base, and the guide pins are provided on both sides of the two connector pins of the first base across the two connector pins in the holding mechanism portion.

[0013] According to this connector connection device, by arranging the guide pins on both sides of the two connector pins, the stabilization of the guide function of the connector pins by the guide pins can be achieved.

[0014] In the connector connection device of the above aspect, it is preferable that the first base is provided in the lower unit of the press working machine, the second base is provided in a bolster capable of carrying in and out a mold to the press working machine, and the drive mechanism portion is configured to relatively move the first base and the second base in the connector connection direction in a state where the bolster is set in the carrying-in position with respect to the press working machine.

[0015] This connector connection device allows for smooth connection between a first connector provided on the first base on the lower unit side and a second connector provided on the second base on the bolster side in a press machine, while suppressing the occurrence of connection failures.

[0016] The connector connection device in the above-described embodiment preferably includes an air injection unit that injects air toward at least one of the first connector and the second connector during a predetermined period from when the bolster starts loading the mold into the press machine until the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

[0017] This connector connection device prevents foreign matter from adhering to the connector contact surfaces or blows away foreign matter already adhering to the connector contact surfaces by spraying air from the air injection unit toward at least one of the first connector and the second connector. This prevents connection failures between the first and second connectors caused by foreign matter adhering to the connector contact surfaces. The use of the air injection unit is particularly effective in press working environments, where the adhesion of foreign matter to the connector contact surfaces is a possibility.

[0018] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the connector connection device according to the above-described embodiment will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0019] In this specification and drawings, unless otherwise specified, the front-to-back direction of the connector connection device is indicated by arrow X, the up-and-down direction is indicated by arrow Y, and the left-to-right direction is indicated by arrow Z.

[0020] (Embodiment 1) As shown in Figure 1, the press machine 101 according to Embodiment 1 forms a workpiece (not shown) using a lower die D1 and an upper die D2. The die D1 is loaded into or unloaded from the press machine 101 while placed on a bolster 103. That is, the bolster 103 is a loading / unloading means that can load and unload the die D1 into and out of the press machine 101, and is configured to be able to travel between an unloading position P1 and an loading position P2. Here, the unloading position P1 is a position outside the press machine 101. In contrast, the loading position P2 is a position below the die D2 inside the press machine 101.

[0021] 1. Structure of connector connection device 1 As shown in Figure 1, the connector connection device 1 of Embodiment 1 generally comprises a first base 10 having a first connector 11, a second base 20 having a second connector 21, a holding mechanism 30, and a drive mechanism 40.

[0022] The first base 10 is one connector base provided on the lower unit 102 of the press machine 101. In contrast, the second base 20 is the other connector base provided on the bolster 103. The first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are a pair of connectors that are electrically connected to each other. For example, the first connector 11 may be a male connector with a convex connection terminal, and the second connector 11 may be a female connector with a concave connection terminal.

[0023] The holding mechanism 30 is for holding the first base 10. The drive mechanism 40 is for moving the first base 10 and the second base 20 relative to each other in the connector connection direction X1 of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21. The connector connection direction X1 is along the front-rear direction X. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 40 is configured to drive the holding mechanism 30, which holds the first base 10, in the connector connection direction X1 when the bolster 103 is set to the loading position P2 relative to the press machine 101. As a result, the first base 10 moves in the connection direction X1 relative to the second base 20. At this time, the holding mechanism 30 has the function of holding the first base 10 so as to be able to absorb positional displacement in the vertical direction Y and the left-right direction Z relative to the second base 20, which are perpendicular to the connector connection direction X1. Therefore, the holding mechanism 30 can absorb positional displacement in the vertical direction Y and the left-right direction Z between the first base 10 and the second base 20.

[0024] 2. Structure of the first base 10 As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first base 10 is composed of a block member 10a to which the first connector 11 is fixed, and a plate member 10b fastened to the block member 10a with a bolt member 13. The block member 10a of the first base 10 is provided with a cone-shaped connector pin 12 that protrudes toward the second base 20. In this embodiment, the connector pins 12 are provided on both sides of the front surface of the block member 10a, flanking the first connector 11. That is, both connector pins 12 extend axially in the front-to-back direction X, and are positioned side by side in the left-to-right direction Z. The outer diameter of the connector pin 12 gradually decreases from the base end 12b to the pin tip 12a (see Figure 4).

[0025] 3. Structure of the holding mechanism 30 As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the holding mechanism 30 comprises a case 31, a plurality of spring plungers 32, and an air injection unit 34. The case 31 has a housing space 31a for housing the plate member 10b of the first base 10, and an opening 31b for allowing a part of the block member 10a of the first base 10 to protrude to the outside of the case 31.

[0026] 3.1 Structure of Guide Pin 33 The case 31 is provided with cone-shaped guide pins 33 that protrude toward the second base 20. In this embodiment, the guide pins 33 are provided on both sides of the two connector pins 12 on the front surface of the case 31. That is, both guide pins 33 extend axially in the front-to-back direction X and are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction Z. When the case 31 is viewed from the direction of arrow A in Figure 2, the two connector pins 12 and the two guide pins 33 are arranged on a straight line in the left-to-right direction Z.

[0027] The outer diameter of the guide pin 33 gradually decreases from the base end 33b to the pin tip 33a. Making the guide pin 33 conical is effective in correcting minute positional misalignments between the guide pin 33 and the guide pin hole 23 (described later) by utilizing the insertion motion of the guide pin 33. Note that the shape of the guide pin 33 is not limited to a conical shape; for example, it may be changed to a cylindrical shape.

[0028] Furthermore, the guide pin 33 is dimensionally set so that the outer diameter of its base end 33b exceeds the outer diameter of the base end 12b of the connector pin 12 (see Figure 4). Making the outer diameter of the base end 33b of the guide pin 33 larger than the outer diameter of the base end 12b of the connector pin 12 is effective in suppressing insufficient strength of the guide pin 33.

[0029] 3.2 Structure of the spring plunger 32 The spring plungers 32 are provided in pairs on each side of the case 31 in the vertical direction Y, and one on each side of the case 31 in the left-right direction Z. Each spring plunger 32 has a plunger 32a and a spring 32b. The plunger 32a is configured to be elastically biased in the axial direction by the spring 32b with its tip attached to the plate member 10b of the first base 10 (see Figures 3 and 4). With this spring plunger 32, the first base 10 can be elastically held in the vertical direction Y and the left-right direction Z by utilizing the multiple springs 32b of the spring plunger 32.

[0030] In this embodiment, a spring plunger 32 is employed that elastically holds the first base 10 using the elastic biasing force of the spring 32b. However, in addition to or instead of a spring member such as the spring 32b, a structure may be adopted that elastically holds the first base 10 using the elastic biasing force of an elastic member such as rubber material.

[0031] 3.3 Structure of the air injection unit 34 The air injection unit 34 is mounted on the top of the case 31. This air injection unit 34 is for injecting air toward the second connector 21 of the second base 20. In this embodiment, the air injection unit 34 is composed of three air injection pipes, all connected to an air supply source (not shown) and spaced apart in the left-right direction Z. The number of air injection pipes is not particularly limited, and any number of air injection pipes can be used as appropriate.

[0032] The air injection unit 34 is controlled to inject air for a predetermined period from the time the bolster 103 starts loading the die D1 into the press machine 101 until the connector connection is completed, when the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are connected to each other. Here, "predetermined period" refers to any period set appropriately during the time until the connection of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 is completed. Therefore, the predetermined period can be the entire period or a part of the period from the start of loading the bolster 103 until the completion of the connector connection, as needed.

[0033] The air injection unit 34 functions to prevent foreign matter from adhering to the connector contact surface of the second connector 21, or to blow away foreign matter already adhering to the connector contact surface of the second connector 21, by injecting air toward the second connector 21. This suppresses connection failures between the first connector 11 and the second connector 21. If necessary, a structure that injects air toward both the first connector 11 and the second connector 21, or a structure that injects air toward only the first connector 11, may be adopted.

[0034] 4. Structure of Base 20 As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the second base 20 includes a block member 20a to which the second connector 21 is fixed, a plate member 20b fastened and fixed to the block member 10a with a bolt member 13, and protrusions 20c provided on both sides of the front surface of the plate member 20b in the left-right direction Z of the block member 10a.

[0035] The block member 20a of the second base 20 is provided with a connector pinhole 22 into which the connector pin 12 of the first base 10 can be inserted. In this embodiment, the connector pinholes 22 are provided on both sides of the front surface of the block member 20a, flanking the second connector 21. That is, both connector pinholes 22 extend axially in the front-to-back direction X and are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction Z. The diameter of the connector pinhole 22 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the connector pin 12 and is dimensionally uniform in the axial direction. Furthermore, the axial depth of the connector pinhole 22 is dimensionally set to be greater than or equal to the axial length of the connector pin 12. Therefore, the connector pin 12 is inserted into the connector pinhole 22 with almost no radial gap.

[0036] Each of the two protrusions 20c of the second base 20 is provided with a guide pin hole 23 into which the guide pin 33 of the holding mechanism 30 can be inserted. In this embodiment, the guide pin holes 23 are provided on both sides of the connector pin hole 22. That is, both guide pin holes 23 extend axially in the front-to-back direction X and are arranged side by side in the left-to-right direction Z. The diameter of the guide pin hole 23 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the guide pin 33 and to be uniform in the axial direction. Furthermore, the axial depth of the guide pin hole 23 is set to be greater than or equal to the axial length of the guide pin 33. Therefore, the guide pin 33 is inserted into the guide pin hole 23 with a radial gap. When the second base 20 is viewed from the direction of arrow B in Figure 5, the two connector pin holes 22 and the two guide pin holes 23 are arranged on a straight line in the left-to-right direction Z.

[0037] 5. Structure of the drive mechanism 40 As shown in Figure 8, the drive mechanism 40 includes a rod 41 connected to the case 31 of the holding mechanism 30, and an electric cylinder 42 that drives the rod 41 in the forward / backward direction X. When the electric cylinder 42 is operated to drive the rod 41 to the right in Figure 8, the first connector 11 of the first base 10 moves toward the second connector 21 in the connector connection direction X1. Conversely, when the electric cylinder 42 is operated to drive the rod 41 to the left in Figure 8, the first connector 11 of the first base 10 moves toward the second connector 21 in the opposite direction to the connector connection direction X1. Since this electric cylinder 42 is an actuator of a known structure, a detailed explanation thereof is omitted. Note that an air cylinder driven by air or a hydraulic cylinder driven by hydraulic fluid may be used instead of the electric cylinder 42.

[0038] 6. Connector connection operation Referring to Figures 8 to 11, the connector connection operation for connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 will be explained.

[0039] Figure 8 shows the standby state of the connector connection device 1, where the first base 10 is at the first position Q1 and the second base 20 is at the first position R1. When the bolster 103 is set to the loading position P1 (see Figure 1), the first base 10 is positioned at the first position Q1. In the above standby state, the first connector 11 of the first base 10 and the second connector 21 of the second base 20 are positioned facing each other with no vertical Y displacement and only horizontal Z displacement. At this time, the amount of horizontal Z displacement of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 matches the amount of horizontal Z displacement Sa of the axis L1 of the connector pin 12 with respect to the axis L2 in the connector pin hole 22. Also, in the above standby state, the guide pin 33 is positioned so that its base end 33b is within the opening range of the guide pin hole 23.

[0040] In the standby state shown in Figure 8, the connector connection device 1 operates the electric cylinder 42 so that the first base 10 moves relative to the second base 20 in the connector connection direction X1. As a result, the first connector 11 of the first base 10 moves closer to the second connector 21 of the second base 20. Simultaneously, air is injected from the air injection unit 34. This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the connector contact surface of the second connector 21, or blows away any foreign matter already adhering to the connector contact surface of the second connector 21. This prevents poor connection between the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 due to foreign matter adhering to the connector contact surface. In the operating environment of the press machine 101, the adhesion of foreign matter to the connector contact surface is to be expected, so the use of the air injection unit 34 is particularly effective.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9, when the first base 10 is moved by the electric cylinder 42 from the first position R1 (see Figure 8) to the second position R2 in the connector connection direction X1, the guide pin 33 begins to be inserted into the guide pin hole 23 before the insertion of the connector pin 12 into the connector pin hole 22 begins. By being inserted into the guide pin hole 23, the guide pin 33 serves as a guide to ensure that the connector pin 12 is inserted so that its pin tip 12a is within the opening range of the connector pin hole 22. In other words, the guide pin 33 ensures that the pin tip 12a of the connector pin 12 is inserted into the connector pin hole 22.

[0042] As shown in Figure 10, when the first base 10 moves from the second position R2 (see Figure 9) to the third position R3 in the connector connection direction X1 by the electric cylinder 42, the pin tip 12a of the connector pin 12 is inserted into the opening range of the connector pin hole 22 by the guiding function of the guide pin 33. Subsequently, as the first base 10 moves further in the connector connection direction X1, the inclined surface of the connector pin 12 slides along the inner peripheral edge surface of the connector pin hole 22 as it is further inserted into the connector pin hole 22. Due to the load on the connector pin 12 at this time, the first base 10 is displaced in the left-right direction Z relative to the case 31 of the holding mechanism 30. The left-right displacement of the first base 10 in the left-right direction Z is permitted by the spring plungers 32 provided on both sides of the case 31 in the left-right direction Z.

[0043] As shown in Figure 11, when the first base 10 moves from the third position R3 (see Figure 10) to the connector connection position R4 in the connector connection direction X1 by the electric cylinder 42, the first base 10 is displaced in the left-right direction Z according to the function of the spring plunger 32. The amount of displacement Sb at this time corresponds to the amount of misalignment Sa (see Figure 8) of the connector pin 12 in the left-right direction Z relative to the connector pin hole 22 in the standby state. This absorbs the misalignment in the left-right direction Z between the first base 10 and the second base 20 (i.e., the misalignment between the connector pin 12 and the connector pin hole 22). Therefore, the connector pin 12 is inserted into the connector pin hole 22 with almost no radial gap, and the insertion is complete. On the other hand, the guide pin 33 is inserted into the guide pin hole 23 at approximately the same timing as the connector pin 12, and the insertion is complete. When the insertion of the guide pin 33 and the connector pin 12 is complete, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are connected to each other, and the connection is complete. Accordingly, the air injection from the air injection unit 34 is stopped.

[0044] In the above-described connector connection operation, we explained the case where there is no positional misalignment in the vertical Y direction between the first connector 11 and the second connector 21, and only a positional misalignment in the horizontal Z direction. However, with the connector connection device 1 configured above, even if there is no positional misalignment in the horizontal Z direction and only a positional misalignment in the vertical Y direction, or if there is a positional misalignment in both the vertical Y direction and the horizontal Z direction, the effect of correcting the misalignment between the connector pin 12 and the connector pin hole 22 can be obtained in a similar manner.

[0045] According to Embodiment 1 described above, the following effects and advantages can be obtained.

[0046] In the connector connection device 1 according to the above-described embodiment of Embodiment 1, the first base 10 having the first connector 11 is moved in the connector connection direction X1 by the drive mechanism 40 relative to the second base 20 having the second connector 21. At this time, any misalignment in the left-right direction Z between the first base 10 and the second base 20 is absorbed by the function of the holding mechanism 30. At this time, the guide pin 33 begins to be inserted into the guide pin hole 23 before the insertion of the conical connector pin 12 into the connector pin hole 22 begins, thereby guiding the connector pin 12 so that its pin tip 12a is inserted within the opening range of the connector pin hole 22.

[0047] With the connector connection device 1 configured as described above, even if the connector pin 12 is misaligned in the left-right direction Z relative to the connector pin hole 22, the guide pin 33 guides the pin tip 12a of the connector pin 12 into the opening range of the connector pin hole 22. Subsequently, the connector pin 12 is inserted into the connector pin hole 22 by the misalignment absorption function of the holding mechanism 30 so that its axis L1 aligns with the axis L2 of the connector pin hole 22. Then, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 are connected to each other at the planned connection position when the insertion of the guide pin 33 and the connector pin 12 is complete. As a result, even if the connector pin 12 is misaligned relative to the connector pin hole 22 due to the misalignment of the first connector 11 and the second connector 21, the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 can be reliably connected. Furthermore, by using the drive mechanism 40 to move the first base 10 and the second base 20 relative to each other in the connector connection direction X1, the connection between the first connector 11 and the second connector 21 can be performed automatically and smoothly.

[0048] Therefore, according to Embodiment 1, in the press working machine 101, the first connector 11 provided on the first base 10 on the lower unit 102 side and the second connector 21 provided on the second base 20 on the bolster 103 side can be smoothly connected while suppressing the occurrence of connection failures. This makes it possible to provide a connector connection device 1.

[0049] According to the connector connection device 1 of Embodiment 1, even if the connector pin 12 is misaligned with respect to the connector pin hole 22, the misalignment absorption function of the holding mechanism 30 prevents the connector pin 12 from being damaged when it comes into contact with the inner peripheral edge surface of the connector pin hole 22. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the equipment from stopping due to damage to the connector pin 12.

[0050] According to the connector connection device 1 of Embodiment 1, by arranging guide pins 33 on both sides in the left-right direction Z with the two connector pins 12 in between, the guiding function of the connector pins 12 by the guide pins 33 can be stabilized.

[0051] Hereinafter, other embodiments related to Embodiment 1 described above will be explained with reference to the drawings. In the other embodiments, elements identical to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation of such identical elements will be omitted.

[0052] (Embodiment 2) As shown in Figure 12, the connector connection device 2 of Embodiment 2 differs from the connector connection device 1 of Embodiment 1 in that the rod 41 of the drive mechanism 40 is connected to the second base 20 instead of the case 31 of the holding mechanism 30. This connector connection device 2 is configured such that the second base 20 moves in the connector connection direction X1 relative to the first base 10.

[0053] The other configurations are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0054] According to the connector connection device 2 of Embodiment 2, the second base 20 is driven by the drive mechanism 40 in the connector connection direction X1 relative to the first base 10, thereby connecting the first connector 11 and the second connector 21.

[0055] Furthermore, it exhibits the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 1.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the typical embodiments described above, and various applications and modifications are conceivable as long as they do not depart from the purpose of the invention. For example, the following embodiments can be implemented by applying the embodiments described above.

[0057] In the above-described configuration, an example was given in which guide pins 33 are provided on both sides of two connector pins 12. However, the number of connector pins 12 and guide pins 33, as well as the arrangement of the connector pins 12 and guide pins 33, are not limited to this configuration and can be changed as needed.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the example shows a case where either the first base 10 or the second base 20 is driven in the connector connection direction X1 to perform the connector connection. However, instead, both the first base 10 and the second base 20 may be driven in a direction that brings them closer to each other (connector connection direction) to perform the connector connection.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the connector connection devices 1 and 2 used in the press machine 101 were illustrated, but these connector connection devices 1 and 2 can also be used in equipment other than the press machine 101. In this case, the air injection unit 34 may be omitted when it is not necessary to consider the adhesion of foreign matter to the connector contact surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1,2…Connector connection device, 10…First base, 11…First connector, 12…Connector pin, 12a…Pin tip, 20…Second base, 21…Second connector, 22…Connector pinhole, 23…Guide pinhole, 30…Holding mechanism, 33…Guide pin, 34…Air injection unit, 40…Drive mechanism, 101…Pressing machine, 102…Lower unit, 103…Bolster, D1…Mold, P2…Loading position, X1…Connector connection direction, Y…Up / down direction (direction perpendicular to the connector connection direction), Z…Left / right direction (direction perpendicular to the connector connection direction)

Claims

1. A first base having a first connector, A second base having a second connector, A drive mechanism that moves the first base and the second base relative to each other in the connector connection direction, A holding mechanism having a member that elastically holds either the first base or the second base so as to be able to absorb positional misalignment in a direction perpendicular to the connector connection direction relative to the other, Equipped with, The first base is provided with a cone-shaped connector pin that protrudes toward the second base, and the holding mechanism is provided with a guide pin that protrudes toward the second base. The second base is provided with a connector pin hole into which the connector pin can be inserted and a guide pin hole into which the guide pin can be inserted, and the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other when the guide pin and the connector pin have been inserted. The above-mentioned guide pin, when the first base and the second base move relative to each other in the connector connection direction by the drive mechanism, starts to be inserted into the guide pin hole before the insertion of the connector pin into the connector pin hole begins, and guides the connector pin so that its pin tip is inserted within the opening range of the connector pin hole, in accordance with the function of the member of the holding mechanism.

2. The connector connection device according to claim 1, wherein the first base is provided with connector pins on both sides of the first connector, and the holding mechanism is provided with guide pins on both sides of the two connector pins of the first base.

3. The connector connection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first base is provided in the lower unit of a press machine, the second base is provided in a bolster capable of loading and unloading a die into and out of the press machine, and the drive mechanism is configured to move the first base and the second base relative to each other in the connector connection direction when the bolster is set in the loading position relative to the press machine.

4. The connector connection device according to claim 3, further comprising an air injection unit that injects air toward at least one of the first connector and the second connector during a predetermined period from when the bolster begins to load the mold into the press machine until the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other.

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