Mold Structure for Connector Housing Lance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mold structure for molding connector housings with locking lances faces challenges in securing sufficient terminal holding force while maintaining core rigidity, especially when molding lances with small widths, as the core division and groove formation compromise the locking area and core rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A mold structure comprising a first mold with a third projection and a second mold with a concave portion, where a third member moves to form a first and second space, allowing the lance to be bent into a space occupied by the third projection, ensuring the lance is flexed and not forcibly extracted, thus maintaining core rigidity and enhancing terminal holding force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the core is divided into first core and second core arranged in parallel in the lateral direction of the locking lance, then the locking lance can be molded with flexibility, but the rigidity of the core cannot be secured when the locking lance has a small width
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into a first core and a second core arranged in parallel in the lateral direction of the locking lance. The first core forms the housing body, while the second core forms the locking lance. This segmentation allows the locking lance to have flexibility while the first core maintains sufficient rigidity for small-width lances.
2Ease of manufacture
If a groove is formed in the lateral direction of the locking lace for the second core to move, then the locking lace can be removed by flexing, but the locking area for locking the locking lace to a terminal becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The core is segmented into first and second cores, allowing the second core to move independently in a groove to flex the locking lace during removal, while the first core maintains the locking area integrity for terminal engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The second core is extracted as a movable component that can slide in a groove formed in the lateral direction of the locking lance. This allows the locking lace to be flexed during removal without affecting the locking area formed by the first core.
3Volume of moving object
If the first core and second core are made smaller to mold a locking lance with small width, then the housing can be downsized, but the rigidity of the core cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The core is divided into first and second cores, where the first core can be optimized for rigidity and the second core for flexibility. This allows the housing to be downsized while maintaining sufficient core rigidity through proper structural design of the segmented cores.
Data Source
AI summary
A mold for forming a housing having a lance includes a first mold and a second mold. The lance has a first projection for engaging a terminal and a second projection provided at a position nearer with an end of the lance than the first projection. The first mold includes a first member having a third projection. The second mold includes a second member and a third member. The second member has a first concave portion into which the third projection is inserted. The third member is configured to be moved with respect to the second member. The second member defines, with the first member, a first space where the housing is adapted to be formed. The third member defines, with the first member, a second space where the first projection and the second projection are adapted to be formed.