Calibration tooling, and device and method for measuring blind mating connector interfitting gap

Abstract

A device and method for measuring a blind mating connector interfitting gap, comprising: calibration tooling (1) which is provided thereon with a groove (11), the depth S of the groove (11) being a partial pin length of a signal pin on a backplane connector for docking with a machine disk connector plus the thickness of the casing bottom of the backplane connector; and a simulation machine disk (2). The simulation machine disk (2) comprises: a disk body (21); a plurality of machine disk connectors which are each fixed on the disk body (21); at least one displacement sensor (22) which is fixed on the simulation machine disk (2) and arranged adjacent to one machine disk connector, the length of a part of the displacement sensor (22) that protrudes from the simulation machine disk (2) beyond the machine disk connector being slightly greater than the depth S; and a displacement tester (23) which is connected to the displacement sensor (22) and used for reading data of the displacement sensor (22). The device for measuring the blind mating connector interfitting gap may avoid the problem of poor measurement data consistency caused by multiple measurements and multiple calculations, and is not limited by the test conditions. The entire test tooling is simple and easy to operate, has high testing efficiency and high testing accuracy. (Fig. 4)

Description

A calibration fixture, a measuring device and method for measuring the mating gap of blind-mating connectors. Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of measuring the mating gap between the chassis and the backplate connector, and specifically to a device and method for measuring the mating gap of a blind-mating connector. Background Technology

[0002] The mating clearance (Demated value) between the chassis connector and the sub-frame backplane connector directly affects product reliability, and many signal faults are related to an excessively large Demated value. Refer to Figures 1 and 2 for specific Demated values. Factors affecting the Demated value include chassis machining and assembly errors, sub-frame machining and assembly errors, and deformation of the chassis backplane after insertion / removal under stress. All influencing factors follow a normal distribution. Therefore, accurately and efficiently measuring the Demated value has become an urgent problem to be solved in the design and manufacturing of high-end equipment.

[0003] Since the chassis and backplane are in a mating state, there is almost no testing space available to directly test the Demated value of the chassis and backplane using existing equipment and tools.

[0004] Currently, the Demated value is mainly calculated by measuring the distance from the chassis panel to the backplate and the distance from the chassis panel to the chassis connector using a depth gauge, and then combining this with the thickness of the backplate connector shell bottom to determine the connector mating clearance.

[0005] Referring to Figure 3, the specific process for measuring the Demated value using a depth gauge is as follows:

[0006] (1) Measure the distance T1 from the panel to the connector;

[0007] (2) Measure the distance T2 from the front panel to the back panel;

[0008] (3) Calculate T = T2 - T1;

[0009] (4) Measure the thickness H of the bottom of the backplate connector housing;

[0010] (5) Calculate the Demated value: D = TH.

[0011] As can be seen from the above process, measuring the Demated value using a depth gauge requires two measurements followed by calculation. This method is not only limited by testing conditions, but also suffers from poor consistency in the measurement data, failing to meet the accuracy requirements for measuring the mating gap of connectors.

[0012] Summary of the Invention

[0013] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a measuring device for the mating gap of blind-mating connectors. This device avoids the problem of poor consistency in measurement data caused by multiple measurements and calculations, and is not limited by test conditions. The entire testing fixture is simple, easy to operate, and has high testing efficiency and accuracy.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0015] A measuring device for the mating gap of a blind-mating connector includes:

[0016] A calibration fixture has a groove, the depth S of which is the length of the signal pin on the backplane connector used for mating with the chassis connector, plus the thickness of the backplane connector housing bottom; and

[0017] The simulator disk includes,

[0018] -Disc body;

[0019] - Multiple chassis connectors, all of which are fixed to the chassis body;

[0020] - At least one displacement sensor is fixed to the disk body and disposed adjacent to one of the disk connectors, and the portion of the displacement sensor extending out of the disk body extends beyond the disk connector by a length slightly greater than the depth S;

[0021] - A displacement tester, which is connected to the displacement sensor, is used to read the data from the displacement sensor.

[0022] Based on the above technical solution, when the calibration fixture is attached to the simulation machine panel, the displacement sensor can be inserted into the groove, and at least one of the machine panel connectors can be held against the stepped surface of the groove.

[0023] Based on the above technical solution, the displacement tester is also used to clear the data read when the calibration fixture is attached to the simulation disk.

[0024] Based on the above technical solution, the simulation machine includes three displacement sensors.

[0025] Based on the above technical solution, the measuring device also includes an operating table for holding the simulation panel.

[0026] Meanwhile, another objective of this invention is to provide a calibration fixture that avoids the problem of poor consistency of measurement data caused by multiple measurements and calculations, and is not limited by test conditions. The entire test fixture is simple, easy to operate, highly efficient, and highly accurate.

[0027] A calibration fixture is provided for assisting in measuring the mating clearance between a chassis connector and a backplane connector. The calibration fixture has a groove, the depth S of which is the length of the signal pin on the backplane connector used for mating with the chassis connector plus the thickness of the bottom of the backplane connector housing.

[0028] Meanwhile, another objective of this invention is to provide a calibration fixture that avoids the problem of poor consistency of measurement data caused by multiple measurements and calculations, and is not limited by test conditions. The entire test fixture is simple, easy to operate, highly efficient, and highly accurate.

[0029] A method for measuring the mating gap using the above-mentioned measuring device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0030] The calibration fixture is attached to the simulation disk, and the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor is read using the groove on the calibration fixture and the simulation disk.

[0031] Insert the simulator into the sub-frame to be tested and read the displacement value t2 from the displacement sensor;

[0032] The actual insertion stroke of the computer disk connector into the backplane connector is T = t2 - t1;

[0033] Calculate the mating gap: Demated value = ST.

[0034] Based on the above technical solution, the calibration fixture is attached to the simulation machine plate, so that the displacement sensor extends into the groove, and at the same time, at least one of the machine plate connectors abuts against the stepped surface of the groove, and the displacement tester reads the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor at this time.

[0035] Based on the above technical solution, the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor is zeroed using a displacement tester.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, the simulation disk includes three displacement sensors, which are used to measure the corresponding pre-compression amount t1 and displacement value t2 respectively.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows:

[0038] (1) The measuring device for the mating gap of the blind connector of the present invention has fewer steps than the depth gauge used in the prior art to measure the Demated value. The measurement data is more consistent. Since the S value is known in advance (its measurement is simple and convenient and there is no limitation on the test space), in actual measurement, only the displacement sensor and displacement tester are needed to measure t1 and t2. The entire test fixture is simple, easy to operate, and has high testing efficiency. Since t1 is measured in the measurement process, the nonlinear part of the front end of the displacement sensor is eliminated. In addition, the measurement method of combining the displacement sensor and displacement tester can achieve 0.01 mm compared with the existing test method which can only achieve 0.1 mm, thus meeting the measurement accuracy requirements.

[0039] (2) The measuring device for the mating gap of the blind mating connector of the present invention can flexibly select multiple test points by setting multiple displacement sensors, determine the worst position and trend of the DEMATED value, and make the measurement results more reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 is a planar schematic diagram of the Demated value of the mating gap;

[0041] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the Demated value of the mating gap;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the relevant dimensions when measuring the Demated value with a depth gauge;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the measuring device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the S value in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the calibration fixture in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the calibration fixture and simulation test panel in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of t1 and t2 during the testing process of the subframe under test in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] In the figure: 1-calibration fixture, 11-groove, 2-simulation machine plate, 21-plate body, 22-displacement sensor, 23-displacement tester, 3-operating table, 4-sub-frame to be tested. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0050] Example 1:

[0051] Referring to Figures 4 to 8, an embodiment of the present invention provides a measuring device for the mating gap of a blind-mating connector, which includes a calibration fixture 1 and a simulation plate 2.

[0052] The calibration fixture 1 has a groove 11, the depth S of which is the length of the signal pin on the backplate connector used to mate with the chassis connector plus the thickness of the bottom of the backplate connector shell.

[0053] Simulator disk 2, which includes,

[0054] -Disc body 21;

[0055] - Multiple chassis connectors, all of which are fixed on the chassis body 21;

[0056] - At least one displacement sensor 22 is fixed on the disk body 21 and disposed adjacent to one of the disk connectors, and the portion of the displacement sensor 22 extending out of the disk body 21 extends beyond the disk connector by a length slightly greater than the depth S;

[0057] - Displacement tester 23, which is connected to displacement sensor 22, is used to read data from displacement sensor 22.

[0058] Furthermore, the measuring device in this embodiment also includes an operating table 3, which is mainly used to provide a test platform. In actual use, it is used to support the simulator panel 2.

[0059] The principle of the measuring device in this embodiment is described below:

[0060] Referring to Figure 5, firstly, an S-value is defined. This S-value refers to the length of the signal pin on the backplane connector that mates with the chassis connector, plus the thickness of the backplane connector housing bottom. Taking the backplane connector housing bottom as the boundary, the length of the signal pin on the backplane connector that mates with the chassis connector refers to the portion located on the left side of the backplane connector housing bottom. This S-value can be measured in advance. After obtaining the S-value, calibration fixture 1 can be made based on the S-value, and the depth of the groove 11 in calibration fixture 1 is S.

[0061] Then, the calibration fixture 1 and the simulation plate 2 are aligned, so that the displacement sensor 22 is located in the groove 11. The simulation plate 2 refers to a plate manufactured according to the actual plate structure dimensions, plate connector model and quantity, which can simulate the situation when the actual plate is inserted. In this embodiment, the part of the displacement sensor 22 extending out of the plate body 21 exceeds the plate connector by a length slightly greater than the depth S. The effect is that after the displacement sensor 22 is located in the groove 11, it will generate a small pre-compression amount t1. This pre-compression amount t1 is mainly to eliminate the nonlinear part at the front end of the displacement sensor 22, and can be reasonably set according to the actual situation.

[0062] Then, the simulation panel 2 is inserted into the sub-rack 4 to actually measure the mating gap Demated value. By reading the displacement value t2 of the displacement sensor 22, the actual insertion stroke T of the panel connector into the backplane connector can be obtained from t1 and t2. Thus, the Demated value = ST can be obtained.

[0063] In summary, compared with the existing technology of measuring Demated values ​​with a depth gauge, this application requires fewer measurement and calculation steps, and the consistency of the measurement data is better. Since the S value is known in advance, its measurement is simple and convenient, and there is no limitation on the test space. In actual measurement, only the displacement sensor 22 and the displacement tester 23 are needed to measure t1 and t2. The entire test fixture is simple, easy to operate, and has high testing efficiency. Since t1 is measured during the measurement process, the nonlinear part at the front end of the displacement sensor 22 is eliminated. Furthermore, the measurement method using the combination of displacement sensor 22 and displacement tester 23 can achieve a measurement accuracy of 0.01 mm, compared with the existing test methods that can only achieve 0.1 mm. This method can meet the measurement accuracy requirements.

[0064] Example 2:

[0065] Referring to Figures 4 to 8, an embodiment of the present invention provides a measuring device for the mating gap of a blind-mating connector, which includes a calibration fixture 1 and a simulation plate 2.

[0066] The calibration fixture 1 has a groove 11, the depth S of which is the length of the signal pin on the backplate connector used to mate with the chassis connector plus the thickness of the bottom of the backplate connector shell.

[0067] Simulator disk 2, which includes,

[0068] -Disc body 21;

[0069] - Multiple chassis connectors, all of which are fixed on the chassis body 21;

[0070] - At least one displacement sensor 22 is fixed on the disk body 21 and disposed adjacent to one of the disk connectors, and the portion of the displacement sensor 22 extending out of the disk body 21 extends beyond the disk connector by a length slightly greater than the depth S;

[0071] - Displacement tester 23, which is connected to displacement sensor 22, is used to read data from displacement sensor 22.

[0072] Furthermore, when the calibration fixture 1 is attached to the simulation disk 2, the displacement sensor 22 can be inserted into the groove 11, and at least one of the disk connectors can be held against the stepped surface of the groove 11.

[0073] Preferably, the two chassis connectors adjacent to the displacement sensor 22 abut against the stepped surface of the groove 11, which will make the measurement more accurate.

[0074] Example 3:

[0075] Referring to Figures 4 to 8, an embodiment of the present invention provides a measuring device for the mating gap of a blind-mating connector, which includes a calibration fixture 1 and a simulation plate 2.

[0076] The calibration fixture 1 has a groove 11, the depth S of which is the length of the signal pin on the backplate connector used to mate with the chassis connector plus the thickness of the bottom of the backplate connector shell.

[0077] Simulator disk 2, which includes,

[0078] -Disc body 21;

[0079] - Multiple chassis connectors, all of which are fixed on the chassis body 21;

[0080] - At least one displacement sensor 22 is fixed on the disk body 21 and disposed adjacent to one of the disk connectors, and the portion of the displacement sensor 22 extending out of the disk body 21 extends beyond the disk connector by a length slightly greater than the depth S;

[0081] - Displacement tester 23, which is connected to displacement sensor 22, is used to read data from displacement sensor 22.

[0082] Furthermore, the displacement tester 23 is also used to clear the data read when the calibration fixture 1 is attached to the simulation disk 2.

[0083] The "clearing the read data" mentioned here refers to clearing the pre-compression amount t1. Since T = t2 - t1, clearing the pre-compression amount t1 makes it easier to read T. When the pre-compression amount t1 is cleared, the value of T can be directly obtained by reading the displacement value of the displacement sensor 22 (which is t2 at this time).

[0084] Example 4:

[0085] Referring to Figures 4 to 8, an embodiment of the present invention provides a measuring device for the mating gap of a blind-mating connector, which includes a calibration fixture 1 and a simulation plate 2.

[0086] Among them, calibration fixture 1 is equipped with

[0087] A groove 11, wherein the depth S of the groove 11 is the length of the signal pin on the backplane connector used to mate with the chassis connector plus the thickness of the bottom of the backplane connector housing.

[0088] Simulator disk 2, which includes,

[0089] -Disc body 21;

[0090] - Multiple chassis connectors, all of which are fixed on the chassis body 21;

[0091] - At least one displacement sensor 22 is fixed on the disk body 21 and disposed adjacent to one of the disk connectors, and the portion of the displacement sensor 22 extending out of the disk body 21 extends beyond the disk connector by a length slightly greater than the depth S;

[0092] - Displacement tester 23, which is connected to displacement sensor 22, is used to read data from displacement sensor 22.

[0093] Furthermore, the simulator 2 includes three displacement sensors 22.

[0094] By setting three displacement sensors 22, multiple test points can be flexibly selected to determine the worst position and trend of the DEMATED value, making the measurement results more reliable.

[0095] Example 5:

[0096] Referring to Figure 5, this embodiment of the invention provides a calibration fixture 1 for assisting in measuring the mating gap between the chassis connector and the backplane connector. The calibration fixture 1 is provided with a groove 11, and the depth S of the groove 11 is the length of the signal pin on the backplane connector that mates with the chassis connector plus the thickness of the bottom of the backplane connector shell.

[0097] Example 6:

[0098] This invention provides a method for measuring the mating gap using the measuring device in Embodiment 1. The method includes the following steps:

[0099] The calibration fixture 1 is attached to the simulation disk 2. Using the groove 11 on the calibration fixture 1 and the simulation disk 2, the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor 22 is read at this time.

[0100] Insert the simulator panel 2 into the sub-frame 4 to be tested, and read the displacement value t2 of the displacement sensor 22;

[0101] The actual insertion stroke of the computer disk connector into the backplane connector is T = t2 - t1;

[0102] Calculate the mating gap: Demated value = ST.

[0103] Example 7:

[0104] This invention provides a method for measuring the mating gap using the measuring device in Embodiment 1. The method includes the following steps:

[0105] The calibration fixture 1 is attached to the simulation disk 2. Using the groove 11 on the calibration fixture 1 and the simulation disk 2, the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor 22 is read at this time.

[0106] Insert the simulator panel 2 into the sub-frame 4 to be tested, and read the displacement value t2 of the displacement sensor 22;

[0107] The actual insertion stroke of the computer disk connector into the backplane connector is T = t2 - t1;

[0108] Calculate the mating gap: Demated value = ST.

[0109] Further, the calibration fixture 1 is fitted onto the simulation plate 2, allowing the displacement sensor 22 to extend into the groove 11. Simultaneously, at least one of the plate connectors abuts against the stepped surface of the groove 11, and the displacement tester 23 reads the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor 22 at this time. Preferably, two plate connectors adjacent to the displacement sensor 22 abut against the stepped surface of the groove 11, which results in more accurate measurements.

[0110] Furthermore, the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor 22 is zeroed using the displacement tester 23.

[0111] The "clearing the read data" mentioned here refers to clearing the pre-compression amount t1. Since T = t2 - t1, clearing the pre-compression amount t1 makes it easier to read T. When the pre-compression amount t1 is cleared, the value of T can be directly obtained by reading the displacement value of the displacement sensor 22 (which is t2 at this time).

[0112] Example 8:

[0113] This invention provides a method for measuring the mating gap using the measuring device in Embodiment 1. The method includes the following steps:

[0114] The calibration fixture 1 is attached to the simulation disk 2. Using the groove 11 on the calibration fixture 1 and the simulation disk 2, the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor 22 is read at this time.

[0115] Insert the simulator panel 2 into the sub-frame 4 to be tested, and read the displacement value t2 of the displacement sensor 22;

[0116] The actual insertion stroke of the computer disk connector into the backplane connector is T = t2 - t1;

[0117] Calculate the mating gap: Demated value = ST.

[0118] Furthermore, the simulation disk 2 includes three displacement sensors 22, which are used to measure the corresponding pre-compression amount t1 and displacement value t2 respectively.

[0119] By setting three displacement sensors 22, multiple test points can be flexibly selected to determine the worst position and trend of the DEMATED value, making the measurement results more reliable.

[0120] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this invention. Contents not described in detail in this specification are prior art known to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A measuring device for the mating gap of a blind-mating connector, characterized in that, include: A calibration fixture (1) is provided with a groove (11), the depth S of which is the length of the signal pin on the backplane connector used to mate with the chassis connector plus the thickness of the bottom of the backplane connector housing; and The simulator disk (2) includes, -Disc body (21); - Multiple chassis connectors, all of which are fixed on the chassis body (21); - At least one displacement sensor (22) is fixed on the disk body (21) and disposed adjacent to one of the disk connectors, and the portion of the displacement sensor (22) extending out of the disk body (21) extends beyond the disk connector by a length slightly greater than the depth S; - Displacement tester (23), which is connected to the displacement sensor (22) and is used to read the data of the displacement sensor (22).

2. The measuring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When the calibration fixture (1) is in contact with the simulation disk (2), the displacement sensor (22) can be inserted into the groove (11), and at least one of the disk connectors can be held against the stepped surface of the groove (11).

3. The measuring device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The displacement tester (23) is also used to clear the data read when the calibration fixture (1) is attached to the simulation disk (2).

4. The measuring device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The simulator panel (2) includes three displacement sensors (22).

5. The measuring device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The measuring device also includes an operating table (3) for holding the simulator panel (2).

6. A calibration fixture (1) for assisting in measuring the mating clearance between the chassis connector and the backplate connector, characterized in that: The calibration fixture (1) is provided with a groove (11), the depth S of which is the length of the signal pin on the backplate connector used to mate with the chassis connector plus the thickness of the bottom of the backplate connector shell.

7. A method for measuring mating gaps using the measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: The calibration fixture (1) is attached to the simulation disk (2), and the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor (22) is read using the groove (11) on the calibration fixture (1) and the simulation disk (2). Insert the simulator panel (2) into the subframe to be tested (4) and read the displacement value t2 of the displacement sensor (22); The actual insertion stroke of the computer disk connector into the backplane connector is T = t2 - t1; Calculate the mating gap: Demated value = ST.

8. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The calibration fixture (1) is attached to the simulation disk (2) so that the displacement sensor (22) extends into the groove (11) and at the same time, at least one of the disk connectors abuts against the stepped surface of the groove (11), and the displacement tester (23) reads the pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor (22) at this time.

9. The method as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The pre-compression amount t1 of the displacement sensor (22) is zeroed using the displacement tester (23).

10. The method as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The simulation disk (2) includes three displacement sensors (22), which are used to measure the corresponding pre-compression amount t1 and displacement value t2 respectively.