Guide device and terminal crimping machine

Abstract

This guide device reduces the load on the connecting parts of the chain of terminals while suppressing the lateral sway of the carrier part of the chain of terminals when the chain of terminals moves. [Solution] A guide device (6) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first guide surface to which one end of the carrier portion (2b) of the chain terminal (2) in the width direction, perpendicular to the feeding direction of the chain terminal (2) and the thickness direction of the carrier portion (2b), contacts; an arm member (42) that is rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction and has a projection (42a) projecting upward; and a second guide surface disposed on the projection (42a) to which the other end of the carrier portion (2b) in the width direction contacts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a guiding device and a terminal crimping machine.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as shown in FIG. 33, the terminal crimping machine 101 of Patent Document 1 hooks a feed claw 103 on a feed hole formed in a carrier portion of a chain-like terminal 102 to sequentially feed the chain-like terminal 102, and cuts the terminal portion from the chain-like terminal 102 while crimping a core wire of a cable to the terminal portion of the chain-like terminal 102.

[0003] At this time, in the terminal crimping machine 101, one end in the width direction of the carrier portion of the chain-like terminal 102 is brought into contact with a guide block 104 and a cam plate 105, and the other end in the width direction of the carrier portion of the chain-like terminal 102 is brought into contact with a guide plate 106 to configure a guiding device 107 for suppressing the deflection in the width direction of the carrier portion of the chain-like terminal 102 when the chain-like terminal 102 is fed and moved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the guiding device 107 of Patent Document 1, a tension spring 109 is provided between the upper end portion of the guide plate 106 and a support plate 108 provided on the guide block, and when the chain-like terminal 102 moves, the tension spring 109 elastically tilts so that the guide plate 106 straddles a connecting portion connecting the carrier portion and the terminal portion of the chain-like terminal 102.

[0006] In this manner, when the tension spring 109 elastically tilts and the guide plate 106 moves over the connecting portion of the chain terminal 102, the load of the tension spring 109 is applied to the connecting portion of the chain terminal 102, which may cause the connecting portion of the chain terminal 102 to deform.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a guide device and a terminal crimping machine that can reduce the load on the connecting portion of a chain of terminals while suppressing the lateral movement of the carrier portion of the chain of terminals when the chain of terminals moves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A guide device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a guide device for a chain of terminals having a terminal portion and a carrier portion, A first guide surface in which one end of the carrier portion in the width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the chain of terminals and the thickness direction of the carrier portion contacts, An arm member that is rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction and has a projection that protrudes upward, A second guide surface is provided on the protruding portion and contacts the other end of the carrier portion in the width direction, Equipped with, When the arm member is in a balanced state, the first guide surface and the second guide surface sandwich the carrier portion in the width direction. If the protruding portion comes into contact with the connecting portion that connects the terminal portion and the carrier portion, the arm member rotates to move the protruding portion away from the connecting portion.

[0009] In the guide device described above, the arm member is in a state of equilibrium due to its own weight. When the arm member is in a balanced state, it is preferable that the arm member be positioned horizontally.

[0010] In the guide device described above, it is preferable that the protrusions are arranged on both sides of the arm member in the feeding direction of the chain-like terminals, and that the arm member is rotatable around the axis in the center between the protrusions.

[0011] In the guide device described above, it is preferable that multiple connecting parts of the chain-like terminals can be arranged in the portion between the protruding parts of the arm member.

[0012] In the guide device described above, it is preferable that the arm member does not come into contact with any other connecting parts of the chain-like terminals when the protruding part is in contact with the connecting part of the chain-like terminals and the arm member is rotating.

[0013] The above-mentioned guide device is A third guide surface supporting the carrier portion of the chain-like terminals, A fourth guide surface sandwiches the carrier portion of the chain-like terminal between the third guide surface and the thickness direction of the chain-like terminal, It is preferable to include the following.

[0014] In the guide device described above, the arm members are arranged in multiple locations in the feeding direction of the chain-like terminals, When the chain of terminals moves in the feeding direction, it is preferable that at least one of the second guide surfaces contacts the carrier portion of the chain of terminals.

[0015] In the guide device described above, it is preferable that the upper surface of the protruding portion has a curved surface that is convex upward when viewed from the width direction.

[0016] In the guide device described above, it is preferable that the upper end of the protruding portion has a V-shape when viewed from the feeding direction of the chain-like terminals.

[0017] A terminal crimping machine according to one aspect of this disclosure is The guide device described above, A processing device for crimping the core wire of a cable to the terminal portion of the chain-like terminal and cutting the terminal portion of the chain-like terminal from the carrier portion, The processing apparatus includes a feeding device for feeding the chain-shaped terminals, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a guide device and a terminal crimping machine that can suppress the lateral vibration of the carrier portion in the chain-shaped terminal when the chain-shaped terminal moves while reducing the load on the connection portion of the chain-shaped terminal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view seen from the + side of the Z-axis of the state where the clamper holder in the terminal crimping machine of the embodiment is arranged at the top dead center. [Figure 2] It is a different perspective view seen from the + side of the Z-axis of the terminal crimping machine in the state of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a partial perspective view seen from the + side of the X-axis of the terminal crimping machine in the state of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a partial perspective view seen from the + side of the Y-axis of the terminal crimping machine in the state of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is an XZ cross-sectional view of the terminal crimping machine in the state of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a partial perspective view seen from the - side of the X-axis of the terminal crimping machine in the state of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view with partial perspective seen from the + side of the Z-axis of the terminal crimping machine in the state of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a perspective view seen from the + side of the Z-axis of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of the embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a partial perspective view seen from the + side of the X-axis of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of the embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view with partial perspective seen from the - side of the Z-axis of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of the embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an XZ cross-sectional view of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of the embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a different XZ cross-sectional view of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of the embodiment. 0000116It is an XZ cross-sectional view of the state where the brake mechanism of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of the embodiment is operating. [Figure 14]This is an XZ cross-sectional view of the terminal crimping machine according to the embodiment, showing the brake mechanism of the guide device released. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 15. [Figure 17] This figure shows the arm member on the Y-axis side of the guide device as viewed from the X-axis side, in the state shown in Figure 15. [Figure 18] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the area around the arm member on the Y-axis+ side of the guide device, as seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 19] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of the area around the central arm member of the guide device, as seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 20] Figure 15 shows an enlarged view of the area around the arm member on the Y-axis+ side of the guide device, as seen from the Z-axis+ side. [Figure 21] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 22] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 21. [Figure 23] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 24] This diagram is intended to explain the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 23. [Figure 25] This is a view from the X-axis + side of the clamper holder of the terminal crimping machine according to the embodiment, with the clamper holder positioned at the bottom dead center. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view of the terminal crimping machine in the state shown in Figure 25. [Figure 27] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 28] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 29] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 28. [Figure 30]This is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 31] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 30. [Figure 32] This figure shows the arm member on the Y-axis side of the guide device as viewed from the X-axis side, in the state shown in Figure 30. [Figure 33] This is a diagram showing Figure 4 of Patent Document 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] The following describes specific embodiments applying this disclosure with reference to the drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity, the following description and drawings have been simplified as appropriate.

[0021] First, the configuration of the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment will be described. In the following description, a three-dimensional (XYZ) coordinate system will be used for clarity. Here, for example, the X-axis + side is the front side of the terminal crimping machine, the X-axis - side is the rear side of the terminal crimping machine, the Y-axis + side is the left side of the terminal crimping machine, the Y-axis - side is the right side of the terminal crimping machine, the Z-axis + side is the top side of the terminal crimping machine, and the Z-axis - side is the bottom side of the terminal crimping machine.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view from the Z-axis + side of the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment, with the clamper holder positioned at the top dead center. Figure 2 is a different perspective view from the Z-axis + side of the terminal crimping machine in the state of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a partial perspective view from the X-axis + side of the terminal crimping machine in the state of Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the terminal crimping machine in the state shown in Figure 1, viewed from the Y-axis + side. Figure 5 is an XZ cross-sectional view of the terminal crimping machine in the state shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the terminal crimping machine in the state shown in Figure 1, viewed from the X-axis - side. Figure 7 is a partial perspective view of the terminal crimping machine in the state shown in Figure 1, viewed from the Z-axis + side.

[0024] The terminal crimping machine 1 of this embodiment is suitable for crimping the core wire 3a of a cable 3 to the terminal portion 2a of a chain-type terminal 2, as shown in Figures 1 to 7. The chain-type terminal 2 comprises a terminal portion 2a, a carrier portion 2b, and a connecting portion 2c. The following description of the shape of the chain-type terminal 2 will be based on the state shown in Figure 1 and other figures.

[0025] The terminal portion 2a, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, for example, has a roughly U-shape with the Z-axis+ side open when viewed from the X-axis direction, and extends in the X-axis direction. The terminal portions 2a are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y-axis direction.

[0026] The carrier portion 2b is a strip shape substantially parallel to the XY plane, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and extends in the Y-axis direction. Feed holes 2d are formed in the carrier portion 2b at predetermined intervals. The connecting portion 2c connects the terminal portion 2a and the carrier portion 2b.

[0027] The connecting portion 2c is, for example, a flat plate shape approximately parallel to the XY plane, as shown in Figure 7, and is a roughly isosceles trapezoid shape in which the width dimension in the Y-axis direction narrows as viewed from the Z-axis direction toward the X-axis+ side.

[0028] The connecting portion 2c has a thickness in the Z-axis direction that is approximately equal to the thickness of the carrier portion 2b in the Z-axis direction, and is arranged on approximately the same plane as the carrier portion 2b. Although not shown in the illustration, such a chain-like terminal 2 is unwound from a reel-like state to the state shown in Figure 1.

[0029] Cable 3 is, for example, a coaxial cable, and as shown in Figure 1, a core wire 3a is passed through the inside of cable 3. As will be described in detail later, when cable 3 is positioned in the X-axis direction, the core wire 3a exposed from the X-axis side end of cable 3 is crimped to the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2.

[0030] The terminal crimping machine 1 includes, for example, a processing device 4, a feeding device 5, and a guide device 6, as shown in Figures 1 to 7. The processing device 4 and feeding device 5 can be configured using general-purpose processing and feeding devices, so they will be described briefly.

[0031] The processing device 4 crimps the core wire 3a of the cable 3 to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2, and also cuts the terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2 from the carrier portion 2b. The processing device 4 includes, for example, an anvil 11, a cutter block 12, a movable cutter 13, a clamper 14, and a punch 15, as shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0032] The anvil 11 is positioned on the Z-axis side relative to the clamper 14, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, for example, and is equipped with a projection 11b that protrudes from the base portion 11a on the Z-axis side to allow the clamper 14 to move away when the clamper 14 moves on the Z-axis side.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the protruding portion 11b has a support surface 11c for supporting the X-axis+ side portion of the terminal portion 2a of the chain-like terminal 2. The cutter block 12 is positioned on the X-axis- side relative to the anvil 11.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the cutter block 12 is provided with a support surface 12a for supporting the X-axis-side portion of the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2. At this time, the support surface 11c of the anvil 11 and the support surface 12a of the cutter block 12 are positioned at approximately equal heights in the Z-axis direction.

[0035] The anvil 11 and cutter block 12 are fixed to the main body block 21, as shown in Figure 1. The main body block 21 is supported by the main body plate 22. The movable cutter 13 is positioned on the X-axis side relative to the cutter block 12.

[0036] The movable cutter 13 is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figure 1, and extends in the Z-axis direction. The movable cutter 13 is provided with a notch 13a for passing through the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2, as shown in Figure 5.

[0037] The notch 13a is approximately rectangular in shape, as shown in Figure 5, for example, with the X-axis+ side open when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and penetrates the movable cutter 13 in the Y-axis direction. The notch 13a is located on the Z-axis+ side of the movable cutter 13 and is positioned on the X-axis+ side of the movable cutter 13.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the movable cutter 13 is positioned inside the groove 21a of the main body block 21 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction. As shown in Figure 5, an elastic body 16, such as a coil spring, is positioned between the movable cutter 13 and the main body plate 22, and the movable cutter 13 is biased toward the Z-axis + side by the elastic body 16.

[0039] In this manner, the movable cutter 13 is biased towards the Z-axis + side by the elastic body 16, and the terminal portion 2a of the chain-like terminal 2 is supported by the anvil 11 and the cutter block 12. The Z-axis - side surface of the notch 13a of the movable cutter 13 is positioned to support the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the clamper 14 is provided with a notch 14a for constricting the terminal portion 2a of the chain-like terminal 2. The notch 14a has a roughly inverted V shape, with the Z-axis side open when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0041] The clamper 14 is fixed to the clamper holder 23, as shown in Figure 3. The clamper holder 23 is positioned to be movable in the Z-axis direction inside the groove 24a of the main frame 24, as shown in Figure 1.

[0042] The clamper holder 23 is driven in the Z-axis direction by a ram (not shown). Thus, the clamper 14 is driven in the Z-axis direction by the ram via the clamper holder 23. The main frame 24 is supported by the main plate 22.

[0043] As shown in Figure 5, the punch 15 is positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the movable cutter 13. The punch 15 is positioned on the X-axis- side relative to the clamper 14 and is fixed to the clamper holder 23. The punch 15 contacts the movable cutter 13 near the bottom dead center of the clamper holder 23 when the clamper 14 is moved furthest towards the Z-axis- side.

[0044] The feed device 5 sequentially feeds the terminal portions 2a of the chain-like terminals 2 to the anvil 11. The feed device 5 includes, for example, a cam 31, a drive bar 32, a roller 33, a drive lever 34, a feed claw holder 35, and a feed claw 36, as shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0045] The cam 31 is fixed to the X-axis side end of the clamper holder 23, for example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The cam 31 extends in the Z-axis direction and has a first flat surface 31a, a second flat surface 31b, and an inclined surface 31c.

[0046] The first flat surface 31a is positioned substantially parallel to the XZ plane, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, and is substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The first flat surface 31a forms part of the Y-axis side end face of the cam 31 and is positioned on the Z-axis side portion of the cam 31.

[0047] The second flat surface 31b is positioned approximately parallel to the XZ plane, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, and is approximately rectangular in shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The second flat surface 31b forms part of the Y-axis side end face of the cam 31 and is positioned on the Z-axis side portion of the cam 31.

[0048] In other words, the second flat surface 31b is positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the first flat surface 31a, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The second flat surface 31b is positioned on the Y-axis+ side relative to the first flat surface 31a.

[0049] The inclined surface 31c forms a portion of the Y-axis-side end face of the cam 31, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, and connects the first flat surface 31a and the second flat surface 31b. When viewed from the X-axis direction, the inclined surface 31c is inclined toward the Z-axis side as it moves toward the Y-axis side.

[0050] The drive bar 32 extends in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, and is supported by the main frame 24 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction. The roller 33 is supported on the Y-axis+ side portion of the drive bar 32 so as to be rotatable about the X-axis. The roller 33 is in contact with the Y-axis- side end face of the cam 31.

[0051] The drive lever 34 is supported on the main frame 24 so as to be rotatable around the X axis, for example, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The Z-axis positive end of the drive lever 34 is connected to a drive bar 32, for example, so as to be able to convert the Y-axis movement of the drive bar 32 into rotational movement of the drive lever 34.

[0052] Therefore, when viewed from the X-axis+ side, if the drive bar 32 moves to the Y-axis+ side, the drive lever 34 rotates clockwise, and if the drive bar 32 moves to the Y-axis- side, the drive lever 34 rotates counterclockwise.

[0053] At this time, the drive lever 34 is biased clockwise when viewed from the X-axis+ side by an elastic body 37, such as a coil spring, as shown in Figure 3. As a result, the elastic body 37 maintains the roller 33 in contact with the Y-axis- side end face of the cam 31 via the drive lever 34 and the drive bar 32.

[0054] The feed claw holder 35 is rotatably connected around the X axis to the Z-axis-side end of the drive lever 34, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 6. At this time, the feed claw holder 35 is biased clockwise when viewed from the X-axis+ side by an elastic body 38 such as a torsion spring. The feed claw 36 is fixed to the Y-axis+ side of the feed claw holder 35, for example, and protrudes from the feed claw holder 35 towards the Z-axis-side.

[0055] The guide device 6 guides the chain terminal 2 as the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2 is fed to the anvil 11. The guide device 6 is positioned on the Y-axis side relative to the processing device 4 and on the Z-axis side relative to the feed device 5, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0056] Here, Figure 8 is a perspective view of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis + side. Figure 9 is a partial perspective view of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment, viewed from the X-axis + side.

[0057] Figure 10 is a partially perspective view of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment, viewed from the Z-axis side. Figure 11 is an XZ cross-sectional view of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment. Figure 12 is a different XZ cross-sectional view of the guide device in the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment.

[0058] The guide device 6 includes, for example, a guide base 41, an arm member 42, a retaining plate 43, and a brake mechanism 44, as shown in Figures 8 to 12. The guide base 41 is substantially rectangular in shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction. The guide base 41 is fixed to the main frame 24 while being supported by the main plate 22.

[0059] The guide base 41 includes, for example, a first notch 41a, a groove 41b, a second notch 41c, and an insertion hole 41d, as shown in Figures 8 to 12. The first notch 41a is where the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 is positioned when the chain terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis + side.

[0060] The first notch 41a is located at the Z-axis+ end of the guide base 41, for example, as shown in Figures 8 to 12. The first notch 41a is substantially rectangular in shape, with the X-axis+ and Z-axis+ sides open when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and penetrates the guide base 41 in the Y-axis direction.

[0061] The thickness of the first notch 41a in the Z-axis direction is approximately equal to the thickness of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2 in the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, for example. Also, the width dimension of the first notch 41a in the X-axis direction is approximately equal to the width dimension of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2 in the X-axis direction.

[0062] The groove 41b is located at the Z-axis+ end of the guide base 41, for example, as shown in Figures 8, 11, and 12. The groove 41b is located on the X-axis+ side relative to the first notch 41a and is continuous with the first notch 41a. The groove 41b is, for example, substantially rectangular in shape with the Z-axis+ side open when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and penetrates the guide base 41 in the Y-axis direction.

[0063] The second notch 41c is located on the Y-axis side of the guide base 41, as shown in Figure 10. The second notch 41c is substantially rectangular in shape, with the X-axis side open when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and penetrates the guide base 41 in the Z-axis direction.

[0064] As shown in Figure 12, the second notch 41c cuts out the X-axis side portion of the guide base 41, including the X-axis side wall surface 41e of the first notch 41a. Therefore, in the portion of the guide base 41 where the second notch 41c is located, the side wall surface 41e of the first notch 41a is absent.

[0065] As shown in Figure 12, the elastic body 44b of the brake mechanism 44 is inserted into the insertion hole 41d. The insertion hole 41d is located on the X-axis+ side relative to the second notch 41c. The insertion hole 41d is spaced apart in the Y-axis direction. The insertion hole 41d extends from the Z-axis- side end of the guide base 41 to the Z-axis+ side.

[0066] The arm member 42 contacts the X-axis-positive end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 when the chain terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis-positive side. When the arm member 42 is positioned horizontally, for example, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, it has a substantially oval shape when viewed from the X-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0067] The arm member 42 is substantially rectangular when viewed from the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, for example. The arm member 42 is provided with protrusions 42a at both ends in the Y-axis direction. The protrusions 42a protrude toward the Z-axis+ side and are substantially arc-shaped when viewed from the X-axis direction. In other words, the protrusions 42a have a convex curved surface 42b toward the Z-axis+ side.

[0068] Furthermore, the Z-axis positive end of the projection 42a has a roughly mountain-like shape, as shown in Figure 11, for example, where the width dimension in the X-axis direction narrows as it moves toward the Z-axis positive side when viewed from the Y-axis direction. In other words, the projection 42a has an inclined surface 42c that slopes toward the inward side of the projection 42a in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Z-axis positive side.

[0069] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the arm members 42 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction within the groove 41b of the guide base 41. For example, three arm members 42 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction. The arm members 42 are supported by the guide base 41 via an axis 45 so that they can rotate around the X-axis, approximately at the center of the arm members 42 in the Y-axis direction.

[0070] At this time, the arm member 42 is in a state of equilibrium due to its own weight and is positioned approximately horizontally in the state of equilibrium. but When positioned approximately horizontally, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 protrudes from the Z-axis-side bottom surface 41f of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41 toward the Z-axis-side.

[0071] The retaining plate 43 covers the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 from the Z-axis + side when the chain terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis + side. The retaining plate 43 is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction, as shown in Figures 8 to 11.

[0072] The retaining plate 43 is provided with a through hole 43a for passing the feed claws 36 of the feed device 5, for example, as shown in Figure 8. The through hole 43a is, for example, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0073] The through-hole 43a is located on the Y-axis + side of the retaining plate 43, for example, as shown in Figure 8. The through-hole 43a only needs to have a shape and arrangement that does not obstruct the Y-axis movement of the feed claws 36 of the feed device 5, as will be described later.

[0074] As shown in Figures 8 and 11, the retaining plate 43 is positioned on the Y-axis+ side of the second notch 41c of the guide base 41. The retaining plate 43 is fixed to the X-axis- side of the guide base 41 so as to cover the first notch 41a of the guide base 41 from the Z-axis+ side.

[0075] At this time, the length of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41 that protrudes from the side wall surface 41e toward the X-axis + side of the retaining plate 43 is approximately equal to the width dimension of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41 in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 11.

[0076] The brake mechanism 44 suppresses the return of the chain terminal 2 to the Y-axis- side when the chain terminal 2 is sent to the Y-axis+ side. Here, Figure 13 is an XZ cross-sectional view of the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment with the brake mechanism of the guide device activated. Figure 14 is an XZ cross-sectional view of the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment with the brake mechanism of the guide device released.

[0077] The brake mechanism 44 is positioned on the Y-axis- side relative to the retaining plate 43, for example, as shown in Figure 8. The brake mechanism 44 comprises a contact portion 44a, an elastic body 44b, an eccentric cam 44c, and a handle portion 44d, for example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. The contact portion 44a has a roughly C-shape with the X-axis+ side open when viewed from the Y-axis direction and extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0078] In other words, the contact portion 44a comprises a first portion 44e, a second portion 44f, and a third portion 44g, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. The first portion 44e is a flat plate shape substantially parallel to the XY plane and substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0079] The width dimension of the first portion 44e in the X-axis direction is approximately equal to the width dimension in the X-axis direction from the X-axis-side end of the guide base 41 to the X-axis-side end of the first notch 41a, as shown in Figure 12, for example.

[0080] The second portion 44f is positioned on the Z-axis side relative to the first portion 44e, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. The second portion 44f is a flat plate shape approximately parallel to the XY plane and is approximately rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The width dimension of the second portion 44f in the X-axis direction is, for example, longer than the width dimension of the first portion 44e in the X-axis direction.

[0081] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the third portion 44g connects the X-axis-side end of the first portion 44e to the X-axis-side end of the second portion 44f. The third portion 44g is a flat plate shape approximately parallel to the YZ plane and is approximately rectangular when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0082] The width dimension of the third portion 44g in the X-axis direction is approximately equal to the width dimension of the second notch 41c of the guide base 41 in the X-axis direction, as shown in Figure 12, for example. Therefore, in the X-axis direction, the first portion 44e protrudes from the third portion 44g by a length approximately equal to the width dimension of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41.

[0083] Furthermore, the height in the Z-axis direction between the first portion 44e and the second portion 44f in the third portion 44g is higher than the height obtained by adding the Z-axis direction thickness of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2 to the height from the Z-axis-side end of the guide base 41 to the bottom surface 41f of the first notch portion 41a, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0084] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the third portion 44g has a through hole 44h into which the cam body 44i of the eccentric cam 44c is inserted. The through hole 44h is substantially circular when viewed from the X-axis direction and penetrates the third portion 44g in the X-axis direction.

[0085] The contact portion 44a is supported by the guide base 41 in a state where it is inserted into the second notch portion 41c of the guide base 41 so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction, as shown in Figure 10, for example. At this time, in the Z-axis direction, the contact portion 44a is positioned such that the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41 is sandwiched between the first portion 44e and the second portion 44f of the contact portion 44a. Also, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the through hole 44h of the contact portion 44a is positioned between the insertion holes 41d of the guide base 41 in the Y-axis direction.

[0086] The elastic body 44b is, for example, a coil spring, as shown in Figure 12. The elastic body 44b is inserted into the insertion hole 41d of the guide base 41 and is positioned between the Z-axis+ end of the insertion hole 41d and the second portion 44f of the contact portion 44a. As a result, the contact portion 44a is biased towards the Z-axis- by the elastic body 44b.

[0087] The eccentric cam 44c comprises a cam body 44i and a transmission section 44j, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, for example. The cam body 44i comprises a first portion 44k and a second portion 44l. The first portion 44k is substantially circular in shape when viewed from the X-axis direction and has thickness in the X-axis direction.

[0088] The first portion 44k has a smaller diameter than the diameter of the through-hole 44h of the contact portion 44a, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, for example, and is located inside the through-hole 44h of the contact portion 44a. In this case, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the center of the first portion 44k is located offset from the center of the through-hole 44h of the contact portion 44a.

[0089] The second portion 44l is fixed to the X-axis-side end of the first portion 44k, for example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, and is located outside the guide base 41. The second portion 44l is, for example, substantially circular in shape when viewed from the X-axis direction and has thickness in the X-axis direction.

[0090] The second portion 44l has a larger diameter than the diameter of the through hole 44h of the contact portion 44a, for example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. Furthermore, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the center of the second portion 44l is positioned substantially coaxially with the center of the first portion 44k, for example.

[0091] The transmission section 44j is approximately circular in shape when viewed from the X-axis direction, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, and extends in the X-axis direction. The transmission section 44j is passed through a through hole 41g that penetrates the guide base 41 in the X-axis direction. The X-axis positive end of the transmission section 44j protrudes from the guide base 41 toward the X-axis positive side.

[0092] The X-axis end of the transmission section 44j is fixed to the cam body 44i, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. In this case, when viewed from the X-axis direction, the center of the transmission section 44j is positioned offset from the center of the first portion 44k of the cam body 44i.

[0093] The handle portion 44d is fixed to the X-axis + end of the transmission portion 44j, for example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. This allows the first portion 44k of the cam body 44i of the eccentric cam 44c to be rotated eccentrically by rotating the handle portion 44d.

[0094] Next, the process by which the terminal crimping machine 1 of this embodiment crimps the core wire 3a of the cable 3 onto the terminal portion 2a of the chain-like terminal 2 will be explained. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 15. Figure 17 is a view of the arm member on the Y-axis+ side of the guide device in the state shown in Figure 15, as seen from the X-axis+ side.

[0095] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the area around the Y-axis+ side arm member of the guide device as shown in Figure 15, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the area around the central arm member of the guide device as shown in Figure 15, viewed from the Z-axis+ side. Figure 20 is an enlarged view of the area around the Y-axis+ side arm member of the guide device as shown in Figure 15, viewed from the Z-axis+ side.

[0096] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine in this embodiment. Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 21. Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feeding device of the terminal crimping machine in this embodiment. Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 23.

[0097] Figure 25 is a view from the X-axis + side of the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment, showing the clamper holder positioned at the bottom dead center. Figure 26 is an XZ cross-sectional view of the terminal crimping machine in the state shown in Figure 25. Figure 27 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feed device of the terminal crimping machine of this embodiment.

[0098] Figure 28 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feed device of the terminal crimping machine in this embodiment. Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 28. Figure 30 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the feed device of the terminal crimping machine in this embodiment. Figure 31 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the chain-like terminals in the state shown in Figure 30. Figure 32 is a view of the Y-axis+ side arm member of the guide device in the state shown in Figure 30, as seen from the X-axis+ side.

[0099] First, we will describe the state of the terminal crimping machine 1 when the clamper 14 is positioned furthest towards the Z-axis + side, that is, when the clamper holder 23 is positioned at the top dead center. As shown in Figure 15, with the clamper holder 23 positioned at the top dead center, the first flat surface 31a of the cam 31 is in contact with the roller 33 of the feed device 5.

[0100] Accordingly, as shown in Figure 15, the drive bar 32 of the feed device 5 is positioned furthest towards the Y-axis - side, and the drive lever 34 rotates most counterclockwise when viewed from the X-axis + side. Also, as shown in Figure 16, the feed claw 36 of the feed device 5 is positioned furthest towards the Y-axis + side when engaged with the feed hole 2d of the chain terminal 2.

[0101] Furthermore, the terminal portion 2a on the Y-axis + side of the chain-like terminal 2 is supported by the support surface 11c of the anvil 11 and the support surface 12a of the cutter block 12, and the Y-axis + side portion of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2 is passed through the notch portion 13a of the movable cutter 13.

[0102] On the other hand, the terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2 on the Y-axis side is supported by the X-axis side portion of the guide base 41 relative to the groove portion 41b at the Z-axis side end. In other words, the X-axis side portion of the guide base 41 relative to the groove portion 41b at the Z-axis side end functions as a support surface for supporting the terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2.

[0103] Furthermore, the Y-axis-side portion of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-type terminal 2 is supported by the bottom surface 41f of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41. As shown in Figures 17 to 20, the X-axis-+ side end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-type terminal 2 is in contact with the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42, and the X-axis-side end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-type terminal 2 is in contact with the side wall surface 41e of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41.

[0104] As a result, the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2 is stabilized in the X-axis direction by being sandwiched between the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 and the side wall surface 41e of the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41, as shown in Figures 17 to 20.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the carrier portion 2b of the chain-type terminal 2 is covered from the Z-axis + side by the first portion 44e of the contact portion 44a of the retaining plate 43 and the brake mechanism 44. As a result, the carrier portion 2b of the chain-type terminal 2 is stabilized in the Z-axis direction by being sandwiched between the first portion 44e of the contact portion 44a of the retaining plate 43 and the brake mechanism 44 and the bottom surface 41f of the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41.

[0106] At this time, the brake mechanism 44 is in a state where the brake to the chain terminal 2 is activated. More specifically, as shown in Figure 13, for example, with the long axis side portion of the first portion 44k of the cam body 44i of the eccentric cam 44c positioned on the Z-axis side, the contact portion 44a is biased on the Z-axis side by the biasing force of the elastic body 44b.

[0107] As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 13, the contact portion 44a is pushed down toward the Z-axis relative to the guide base 41, and the first portion 44e of the contact portion 44a presses against the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2. This causes the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 to be sandwiched between the bottom surface 41f of the guide base 41 and the first portion 44e of the contact portion 44a, creating resistance to the movement of the chain terminal 2 in the Y-axis direction.

[0108] Incidentally, for example, as shown in Figure 14, when the first portion 44k of the cam body 44i of the eccentric cam 44c is rotated via the handle portion 44d, and the long axis portion of the first portion 44k of the cam body 44i of the eccentric cam 44c is positioned on the Z-axis+ side, the contact portion 44a is pushed up on the Z-axis+ side relative to the guide base 41, and the brake to the chain terminal 2 is released.

[0109] In this state, as shown in Figure 1, the core wire 3a of the cable 3 is positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the Y-axis+ side terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2. At this time, for example, if the X-axis- side end of the core wire 3a of the cable 3 is brought into contact with the positioning jig 25 fixed to the main frame 24, the position of the core wire 3a of the cable 3 can be precisely positioned in the X-axis direction.

[0110] Then, as the clamper holder 23 moves to the Z-axis side, the inclined surface 31c of the cam 31 comes into contact with the roller 33 of the feed device 5, as shown in Figure 21. Consequently, the drive bar 32 of the feed device 5 moves to the Y-axis + side, and the drive lever 34 rotates clockwise when viewed from the X-axis + side.

[0111] At this time, the feed claw 36 of the feed device 5 is pulled in towards the Y-axis, but because the brake mechanism 44 applies resistance to movement in the Y-axis direction to the chain terminal 2, the feed claw 36 can easily disengage from the feed hole 2d of the carrier section 2b, as shown in Figure 22.

[0112] Next, as the clamper holder 23 moves to the Z-axis side, the second flat surface 31b of the cam 31 comes into contact with the roller 33 of the feed device 5, as shown in Figure 23. Consequently, the drive bar 32 of the feed device 5 moves to the Y-axis + side, and the drive lever 34 rotates clockwise when viewed from the X-axis + side.

[0113] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, the feed claws 36 of the feed device 5 are retracted towards the Y-axis. At this time, the feed claws 36 of the feed device 5 are positioned towards the Y-axis with respect to the next feed hole 2d to be engaged in the chain terminal 2.

[0114] Furthermore, as the clamper holder 23 moves toward the Z-axis and the clamper 14 pushes the cable 3 toward the Z-axis, when the clamper holder 23 reaches the bottom dead center, as shown in Figure 25, the support surface 11c of the anvil 11 and the notch 14a of the clamper 14 crimp the core wire 3a of the cable 3 to the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2.

[0115] Simultaneously, as shown in Figure 26, the punch 15 contacts the movable cutter 13, pushing the movable cutter 13 toward the Z-axis. As a result, the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 is pushed toward the Z-axis, and the connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2 is cut by the cutter block 12 and the movable cutter 13.

[0116] This completes the crimping of the core wire 3a of the cable 3 to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-like terminal 2. At this time, as shown in Figure 27, the second flat surface 31b of the cam 31 has moved toward the Z-axis compared to the state in Figure 23.

[0117] Subsequently, as the clamper holder 23 moves to the Z-axis + side, the inclined surface 31c of the cam 31 comes into contact with the roller 33 of the feed device 5, as shown in Figure 28. Consequently, the drive bar 32 of the feed device 5 moves to the Y-axis - side, and the drive lever 34 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the X-axis + side.

[0118] Then, the feed claw 36 of the feed device 5 is pushed towards the Y-axis + side, and as shown in Figure 29, the feed claw 36 engages with the next feed hole 2d in the chain terminal 2. At this time, the feed claw 36 is biased clockwise when viewed from the X-axis + side by the elastic body 38, so it engages well with the next feed hole 2d in the chain terminal 2.

[0119] Next, as the clamper holder 23 moves to the Z-axis + side, the drive bar 32 of the feed device 5 moves to the Y-axis - side, as shown in Figure 30, and the drive lever 34 rotates counterclockwise when viewed from the X-axis + side. Consequently, the feed claw 36 of the feed device 5 is pushed in to the Y-axis + side.

[0120] As a result, as shown in Figure 31, the chain-type terminal 2 is moved to the Y-axis + side, the clamper holder 23 shown in Figure 1 etc. is positioned at the top dead center, and the core wire 3a of the new cable 3 is ready to be crimped onto the new terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2.

[0121] At this time, as shown in Figures 17 to 19, in the X-axis direction, the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2 is sandwiched between the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 and the side wall surface 41e of the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41.

[0122] Therefore, when the chain-like terminal 2 is sent to the Y-axis+ side, the X-axis- side surface of the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 functions as a first guide surface that guides the X-axis+ end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2.

[0123] Furthermore, when the chain-type terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis + side, the side wall surface 41e of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41 functions as a second guide surface that guides the X-axis - end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-type terminal 2.

[0124] This makes it possible to suppress the X-axis direction of the chain-like terminal 2 when it is fed to the Y-axis + side, and to accurately crimp the core wire 3a of the cable 3 to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-like terminal 2.

[0125] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, in the Z-axis direction, the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2 is sandwiched between the first portion 44e of the contact portion 44a of the retaining plate 43 and the brake mechanism 44, and the bottom surface 41f of the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41.

[0126] Therefore, when the chain-like terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis + side, the bottom surface 41f of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41 functions as a third guide surface that guides the Z-axis - end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2.

[0127] Furthermore, the Z-axis-side surface of the retaining plate 43 and the Z-axis-side surface of the first portion 44e of the contact portion 44a of the brake mechanism 44 function as a fourth guide surface that guides the Z-axis+ side end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2.

[0128] This results in the chain-like terminal 2 but When the cable is fed to the Y-axis + side, the Z-axis direction of the chain-type terminal 2 can be suppressed, and the core wire 3a of the cable 3 can be crimped to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2 with high precision.

[0129] And then, chain terminal 2 but When the device is moved to the Y-axis + side, the connecting portion 2c of the chain-like terminal 2 comes into contact with the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42, but the arm member 42 is rotatable around the X-axis. Therefore, the arm member 42 rotates, allowing the protruding portion 32a of the arm member 42 to move away, as shown in Figures 17 and 32.

[0130] This reduces the load on the connecting portion 2c of the chain-like terminal 2, suppresses bending of the terminal portion 2a around the Y axis relative to the carrier portion 2b, and allows the core wire 3a of the cable 3 to be crimped to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-like terminal 2 with high precision.

[0131] Here, chain terminal 2 but When sent to the Y-axis + side, the connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2 may directly contact the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42, or it may contact the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 via the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2.

[0132] For example, when the chain terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis+ side, a guide portion extending in the Y-axis direction is placed in a notch 2e (see Figure 8) that penetrates the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2 in the Y-axis direction, and the guide portion and the side wall surface 41e of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41 suppress the X-axis direction vibration of the chain terminal 2. In this configuration, the notch 2e of the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2 comes into contact with the guide portion. As a result, when the chain terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis+ side, the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2 rotates towards the Y-axis- side around the X-axis- side end of the connecting portion 2c.

[0133] On the other hand, in the case of the guide device 6 of this embodiment, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 and the side wall surface 41e of the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41 suppress the X-axis direction vibration of the chain terminal 2. Therefore, when the chain terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis + side, it is possible to suppress the rotation of the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2 towards the Y-axis - side around the X-axis - end of the connecting portion 2c. As a result, the core wire 3a of the cable 3 can be crimped to the terminal portion 2a of the chain terminal 2 with high precision.

[0134] The arm member 42 is configured to be in a state of equilibrium due to its own weight and to be positioned approximately horizontally in that equilibrium state. Therefore, when the connecting portion 2c of the chain-like terminal 2 passes the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42, the arm member 42 returns to its approximately horizontal state due to its own weight.

[0135] In this way, the arm member 42 returns to a nearly horizontal position due to its own weight, so no elastic body or other mechanism is required for the return. Therefore, the configuration of the terminal crimping machine 1 can be simplified, maintenance of the guide device 6 is easy, and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0136] Furthermore, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 is provided with a convex curved surface 42b on the Z-axis + side. Therefore, when the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 comes into contact with the connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 can move smoothly away without getting caught on the connecting portion 2c.

[0137] In addition, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 is provided with an inclined surface 42c that slopes inward in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Z-axis+ side. Therefore, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 does not get caught on the X-axis+ end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2, and the arm member 42 can be smoothly returned to a nearly horizontal position.

[0138] Here, the arm member 42 is shaped such that, for example as shown in Figure 19, adjacent connecting portions 2c can be positioned between the protruding portions 42a of the arm member 42 in the Y-axis direction. This allows the protruding portions 42a, which are spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, to contact the X-axis positive end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminal 2, thereby suppressing the X-axis direction vibration of the chain-like terminal 2 with fewer arm members 42.

[0139] Furthermore, the shape of the arm member 42 (for example, the height of the protrusion 42a and the spacing between the protrusions 42a) is set so that when one of the protrusions 42a of the arm member 42 comes into contact with the connecting portion 2c and the arm member 42 rotates, the other connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2 does not come into contact with the arm member 42. This prevents the rotation of the arm member 42 from being hindered.

[0140] At this time, it is preferable that the X-axis-side end of the other protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 contacts the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2. This allows the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 to be sandwiched in the X-axis direction between the side wall surface 41e of the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41 and the arm member 42 even when the arm member 42 rotates.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, although three arm members 42 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction, the arm members 42 are arranged such that when the chain terminal 2 is sent to the Y-axis+ side, the protruding portion 42a of at least one arm member 42 contacts the X-axis+ end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2. This makes it possible to constantly suppress the X-axis direction of the chain terminal 2 when the chain terminal 2 is sent to the Y-axis+ side.

[0142] As described above, in this embodiment, the terminal crimping machine 1 and guide device 6 are configured such that, when the arm member 42 is in a balanced state, the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 is sandwiched in the X-axis direction between the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 and the side wall surface 41e of the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41, and when the connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2 comes into contact with the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42, the arm member 42 rotates to allow the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 to move away from the connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2.

[0143] This reduces the load on the connecting portion 2c of the chain-like terminal 2. but When the cable is fed to the Y-axis + side, bending of the terminal portion 2a around the Y-axis relative to the carrier portion 2b can be suppressed, and the core wire 3a of the cable 3 can be crimped to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2 with high precision.

[0144] Furthermore, when the chain-type terminal 2 is fed to the Y-axis + side, the X-axis direction of the chain-type terminal 2 can be suppressed, and the core wire 3a of the cable 3 can be crimped to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2 with high precision.

[0145] In the terminal crimping machine 1 and guide device 6 of this embodiment, the arm member 42 is configured to be in a balanced state by its own weight and positioned approximately horizontally in that balanced state. Therefore, when the connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2 passes the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42, the arm member 42 returns to its approximately horizontal state by its own weight. As a result, the arm member 42 does not require an elastic body or the like to return to its original position, the configuration of the terminal crimping machine 1 can be simplified, and maintenance of the guide device 6 can be made easier and maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0146] In this embodiment, the terminal crimping machine 1 and guide device 6 are configured to clamp the carrier portion 2b of the chain-shaped terminal 2 between the first portion 44e of the contact portion 44a of the pressing plate 43 and the brake mechanism 44, and the bottom surface 41f of the first notch portion 41a of the guide base 41, in the Z-axis direction.

[0147] This results in the chain-like terminal 2 but When the cable is fed to the Y-axis + side, the Z-axis direction of the chain-type terminal 2 can also be suppressed, and the core wire 3a of the cable 3 can be crimped to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-type terminal 2 with high precision.

[0148] In the terminal crimping machine 1 and guide device 6 of this embodiment, multiple arm members 42 are arranged at intervals in the Y-axis direction, and the arm members 42 are arranged such that when the chain-like terminals 2 are fed to the Y-axis + side, the protruding portion 42a of at least one arm member 42 contacts the X-axis + end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain-like terminals 2. This makes it possible to constantly suppress the X-axis direction of the chain-like terminals 2 when they are fed to the Y-axis + side.

[0149] In the terminal crimping machine 1 and guide device 6 of this embodiment, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 is provided with a convex curved surface 42b on the Z-axis + side. Therefore, when the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 comes into contact with the connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2, the protruding portion 32a of the arm member 42 can smoothly move away without getting caught on the connecting portion 2c.

[0150] In the terminal crimping machine 1 and guide device 6 of this embodiment, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 is provided with an inclined surface 42c that slopes inward in the X-axis direction as it moves toward the Z-axis + side. Therefore, the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 does not get caught on the X-axis + end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2, and the arm member 42 can be smoothly returned to a substantially horizontal state.

[0151] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0152] For example, the configurations of the processing apparatus 4 and feeding apparatus 5 in the above embodiment are illustrative, and any configuration that allows the core wire 3a of the cable 3 to be crimped to the terminal portion 2a of the chain-shaped terminal 2 is acceptable.

[0153] For example, in the above embodiment, the processing device 4 and the feeding device 5 are positioned on the X-axis-side relative to the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2, but they may also be positioned on the X-axis-side relative to the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2.

[0154] For example, the configuration of the arm member 42 in the above embodiment is illustrative, and it is sufficient that it has at least one protrusion 42a. A balancer may also be fixed to the arm member 42. In short, when the arm member 42 is in a balanced state, the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 is sandwiched between the protrusion 42a of the arm member 42 and the side wall surface 41e of the first notch 41a of the guide base 41, and when the protrusion 42a of the arm member 42 comes into contact with the connecting portion 2c of the chain terminal 2, it is sufficient that the arm member 42 rotates so that the protrusion 42a can move away from the connecting portion 2c.

[0155] For example, the configuration of the guide device 6 in the above embodiment is illustrative, and it is sufficient that it includes a first guide surface of the protruding portion 42a of the arm member 42 that guides the X-axis-side end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2 when the chain terminal 2 is sent to the Y-axis+ side, and a second guide surface that guides the X-axis+ side end of the carrier portion 2b of the chain terminal 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1 Terminal crimping machine 2 Chain-type terminals, 2a Terminal section, 2b Carrier section, 2c Connecting section, 2d Feed hole, 2e Notch section 3 Cable, 3a core wire 4 Processing equipment 5. Feed device 6 Guide device 11 Anvil, 11a Base, 11b Projection, 11c Support surface 12 Cutter block, 12a Support surface 13 Movable cutter, 13a Notch 14 clamp, 14a notch 15 punches 16 Elastic body 21 Main block, 21a Groove 22 Main plate 23 Clamper Holder 24 Main frame, 24a Groove 25 Positioning jig 31 Cam, 31a First flat surface, 31b Second flat surface, 31c Inclined surface 32 Drive bar 33 Laura 34 Drive lever 35 Feed claw holder 36 Feed Claws 37 Elastic body 38 Elastic body 41 Guide base, 41a First notch, 41b Groove, 41c Second notch, 41d Insertion hole, 41e Side wall, 41f Bottom, 41g Through hole 42 Arm member, 42a Protruding part, 42b Curved surface, 42c Inclined surface 43 Retaining plate, 43a Through hole 44 Brake mechanism, 44a Contact part, 44b Elastic body, 44c Eccentric cam, 44d Handle part, 44e First part, 44f Second part, 44g Third part, 44h Through hole, 44i Cam body, 44j Transmission part, 44k First part, 44l Second part 45 axis 101 Terminal Crimping Machine 102 Chained terminal 103 Nails 104 Guide Block 105 Cam Plate 106 Guide Plate 107 Guide device 108 Support plate 109 Tension spring

Claims

1. A guide device for a chain of terminals having a terminal portion and a carrier portion, A first guide surface in which one end of the carrier portion in the width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the chain-like terminals and the thickness direction of the carrier portion comes into contact, An arm member that is rotatable about an axis extending in the width direction and has a projection that protrudes upward, A second guide surface is provided on the protruding portion and contacts the other end of the carrier portion in the width direction, Equipped with, When the arm member is in a balanced state, the first guide surface and the second guide surface sandwich the carrier portion in the width direction. If the protruding portion comes into contact with the connecting portion that connects the terminal portion and the carrier portion, the arm member rotates to move the protruding portion away from the connecting portion. The arm member is a guide device that is in a state of equilibrium due to the weight of the arm member itself.

2. The guide device according to claim 1, wherein the arm member is positioned horizontally when the arm member is in a balanced state.

3. The guide device according to claim 2, wherein the protrusions are arranged on both sides of the arm member in the feeding direction of the chain-like terminals, and the arm member is rotatable around the axis in the center between the protrusions.

4. The guide device according to claim 3, wherein multiple connecting parts of the chain-like terminals can be arranged in the portion between the protruding parts of the arm member.

5. The guide device according to claim 4, wherein, when the protruding portion contacts the connecting portion of the chain-like terminal and the arm member rotates, the arm member does not contact any other connecting portion of the chain-like terminal.

6. A third guide surface supporting the carrier portion of the chain-like terminals, A fourth guide surface sandwiches the carrier portion of the chain-like terminal between the third guide surface and the thickness direction of the chain-like terminal, A guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

7. Multiple arm members are arranged in the feeding direction of the chain-like terminals, The guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the chain of terminals moves in the feeding direction, at least one of the second guide surfaces contacts the carrier portion of the chain of terminals.

8. The guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper surface of the protruding portion has a curved surface that is convex upward when viewed from the width direction.

9. The guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper end of the protruding portion is V-shaped when viewed from the feeding direction of the chain-like terminals.

10. A guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A processing device for crimping the core wire of a cable to the terminal portion of the chain-like terminal and cutting the terminal portion of the chain-like terminal from the carrier portion, The processing apparatus includes a feeding device for feeding the chain-shaped terminals, A terminal crimping machine equipped with the following features.

Images