CN117638602A - Connector assembling system and connector assembling method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector assembling system and a connector assembling method. The connector assembly system includes: the terminal carrier tape comprises a plurality of carrier tape units connected in series, and a clamping groove for clamping a terminal is formed in each carrier tape unit; a support base having a conveying passage formed on a top surface thereof for conveying the terminal carrier tape; a cutting device for cutting off the terminal carrier tape so as to separate the front-most carrier tape unit from the terminal carrier tape; and a terminal clamp for clamping the terminal on the foremost carrier tape unit when cutting the terminal carrier tape. The cutting device includes: the fixed tool apron is fixedly arranged on the support base and is provided with a vertical discharging channel communicated with the conveying channel; and the movable cutter is used for being matched with the fixed cutter holder so as to cut off the terminal carrier tape. The moving cutter pushes down the foremost carrier tape unit in the vertical direction after cutting off the terminal carrier tape so that the foremost carrier tape unit is separated from the terminal held by the terminal clamp and falls into the vertical discharging channel. The invention improves the inserting efficiency of the terminal.

Description

Connector assembling system and connector assembling method

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector assembly system and method for inserting terminals of a connector into a housing of the connector.

Background

In the prior art, connectors typically include a housing and terminals that are inserted into terminal receptacles of the housing. In the prior art, terminals are typically inserted into terminal receptacles of the housing either manually or by means of an insertion device. However, the conventional terminal insertion efficiency is low.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention is directed to solving at least one of the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages of the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly system comprising: the terminal carrier tape comprises a plurality of carrier tape units connected in series, and a clamping groove for clamping a terminal is formed in each carrier tape unit; a support base having a conveying passage formed on a top surface thereof to extend in a first horizontal direction for conveying a terminal carrier tape carrying the terminals; cutting means for cutting the terminal carrier tape so that a forwardmost carrier tape unit is separated from the terminal carrier tape; and a terminal clamp for clamping the terminal clamped on the foremost carrier tape unit when cutting the terminal carrier tape. The cutting device includes: a fixed blade holder fixedly installed on the support base and formed with a vertical discharging passage communicating with the conveying passage; and a movable cutter for cooperating with the fixed cutter holder to cut off the terminal carrier tape. The moving cutter pushes down the foremost carrier tape unit in the vertical direction after cutting off the terminal carrier tape so that the foremost carrier tape unit is separated from the terminal clamped by the terminal clamp and falls into the vertical discharging channel.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carrier tape unit includes: a horizontal bottom plate having left and right sides opposed in a lateral direction of the terminal carrier tape and front and rear sides opposed in a longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape; and a pair of vertical side plates respectively connected to left and right sides of the horizontal bottom plate, the horizontal bottom plates of the plurality of carrier tape units being connected in series in a longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape, the card slot being formed on the vertical side plates.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving tool comprises: a cutter body; a cutting blade formed on one end of the cutter body; and a push-up column formed on the one end of the cutter body opposite to and spaced apart from the cutting blade in the first horizontal direction, the cutting blade being for cutting off a rear side of a horizontal bottom plate of the foremost carrier tape unit to separate the foremost carrier tape unit from the terminal carrier tape, the push-up column being for pushing down a front side of the horizontal bottom plate of the foremost carrier tape unit in a vertical direction to separate the foremost carrier tape unit from the terminal held by the terminal clamp and falling into the vertical discharge passage.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, vertical slots communicating with the vertical discharging channel are formed on the left and right sidewalls of the vertical discharging channel of the fixed tool holder, respectively; the vertical slots on the left side wall and the right side wall of the fixed tool apron are used for being respectively matched with the two side edge parts of the cutting blade so as to position and guide the cutting blade to move along the vertical direction.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the cutting blade is in a position to cut off the terminal carrier tape, the cutting blade and the push post extend into the vertical discharge channel of the fixed blade holder, and the side edge portion of the cutting blade is inserted into the vertical slot of the fixed blade holder.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the transfer channel includes: a first groove formed on a top surface of the support base and extending in a first horizontal direction; and a second groove formed on a bottom surface of the first groove and extending in a first horizontal direction, the first groove being for engaging with the terminals on the terminal carrier tape to guide the terminals to move in the first horizontal direction, the second groove being for engaging with the terminal carrier tape to guide the terminal carrier tape to move in the first horizontal direction.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mounting groove penetrating the support base in a vertical direction is further formed on the support base, and the fixed tool holder is fixedly fitted in the mounting groove of the support base.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide groove is formed on the top surface of the support base, the guide groove extending in a lateral direction of the conveying passage and communicating with the conveying passage for guiding the clamping end portion of the terminal clamp to move to a predetermined clamping position.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal fixture includes: a first clamping body having a first clamping end; and a second clamping body having a second clamping end for mating with the first clamping end, the second clamping body being rotatably mounted on the first clamping body such that the second clamping end can be opened and closed relative to the first clamping end to clamp or unclamp the terminal.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positioning groove for positioning the terminal is formed on the second clamping end, and the terminal is positioned in the positioning groove and clamped between the first clamping end and the second clamping end.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly system further comprises: and the carrier tape fixing piece is used for fixing the terminal carrier tape on the supporting base so as to prevent the terminal carrier tape from moving when being cut by the cutting device.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carrier tape fixing includes: a body portion; and a pair of pins formed on one end of the body portion, and a pair of insertion holes to be engaged with the pair of pins are formed on the support base. When the pair of pins are inserted into the pair of insertion holes, the pair of pins are caught on both lateral sides of the terminal carrier tape and are caught between the adjacent two terminals so that the terminal carrier tape cannot move in the horizontal direction.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly system includes a plurality of carrier tape fasteners spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape for securing the terminal carrier tape at a plurality of different locations, respectively; one of the plurality of carrier tape fasteners is disposed adjacent to a fixed blade seat of the cutting device.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly system further comprises: and the carrier tape conveying device is used for driving the terminal carrier tape carrying the terminals to move along the conveying channel.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carrier tape transporting apparatus includes a driving gear having gear teeth engaged with gaps between terminals on the terminal carrier tape to drive the terminal carrier tape carrying the terminals to move along the transporting path.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly system further comprises: and the carrier tape fixing piece moving device is used for driving the carrier tape fixing piece to move along the vertical direction.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector assembly system further comprises: the cutter moving device is used for driving the moving cutter to move along the vertical direction; and a clamp moving device for driving the terminal clamp to move along a vertical direction and a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the terminal clamp holds one end of the terminal on the forwardmost carrier tape unit before the cutting device cuts the terminal carrier tape; after the cutting device cuts off the terminal carrier tape, the terminal clamp moves the clamped terminal upwards in the vertical direction to align with the terminal jack on the shell; after the clamped terminals are aligned with the terminal receptacles on the housing, the terminal clamps move the clamped terminals in a second horizontal direction to insert the terminals into the terminal receptacles on the housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembling method comprising the steps of:

s100: providing the connector assembly system;

s200: conveying the terminal carrier tape carrying the terminals along the conveying channel until the foremost carrier tape unit is moved to a predetermined position on the fixed blade holder;

s300: the terminal clamp is used for clamping the terminal on the carrier tape unit at the forefront end, and the carrier tape fixing piece is used for fixing the terminal carrier tape on the support base;

s400: cutting off the terminal carrier tape with a cutting blade of a moving cutter so that the carrier tape unit at the forefront end is separated from the terminal carrier tape;

s500: pushing the foremost carrier tape unit downwards along the vertical direction by using a pushing column of a movable cutter to separate the foremost carrier tape unit from the clamped terminal and fall into a vertical discharging channel;

s600: moving the held terminal upward in a vertical direction with a terminal clamp to align with a terminal insertion hole on the housing; and

s700: the held terminal is moved in the second horizontal direction by the terminal clamp to insert the terminal into the terminal insertion hole on the housing.

In the foregoing respective exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the connector assembly system is capable of automatically inserting terminals into terminal insertion holes of a housing, greatly improving the insertion efficiency of the terminals.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, which provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a terminal carrier tape of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the terminal carrier tape and terminals are not shown;

fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a support base, a cutting device and a carrier tape fixture of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the moving blade, carrier tape fixture and terminal fixture are in an initial position;

fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with the carrier tape fixture in position to secure the terminal carrier tape, the terminal clamp in position to clamp the terminals, and the moving blade in an initial position;

fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the carrier tape fixture is in a position to secure the terminal carrier tape, the terminal clamp is in a position to clamp the terminals, and the moving blade is in a position to sever the terminal carrier tape;

fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with the carrier fixture and moving blades in an initial position and the terminal clamp in a position to insert the terminals into the housing;

fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of a cutting device of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein a moving tool is in an initial position separated from a fixed tool holder;

fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a cutting device of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein a moving cutter is in a cutting position mated with a stationary cutter holder.

Detailed Description

The technical scheme of the invention is further specifically described below through examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. The following description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to illustrate the general inventive concept and should not be taken as limiting the invention.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be evident, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in the drawings in order to simplify the drawings.

According to one general technical concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly system including: the terminal carrier tape comprises a plurality of carrier tape units connected in series, and a clamping groove for clamping a terminal is formed in each carrier tape unit; a support base having a conveying passage formed on a top surface thereof to extend in a first horizontal direction for conveying a terminal carrier tape carrying the terminals; cutting means for cutting the terminal carrier tape so that a forwardmost carrier tape unit is separated from the terminal carrier tape; and a terminal clamp for clamping the terminal clamped on the foremost carrier tape unit when cutting the terminal carrier tape. The cutting device includes: a fixed blade holder fixedly installed on the support base and formed with a vertical discharging passage communicating with the conveying passage; and a movable cutter for cooperating with the fixed cutter holder to cut off the terminal carrier tape. The moving cutter pushes down the foremost carrier tape unit in the vertical direction after cutting off the terminal carrier tape so that the foremost carrier tape unit is separated from the terminal clamped by the terminal clamp and falls into the vertical discharging channel.

According to another general technical concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembling method including: providing the connector assembly system; conveying the terminal carrier tape carrying the terminals along the conveying channel until the foremost carrier tape unit is moved to a predetermined position on the fixed blade holder; the terminal clamp is used for clamping the terminal on the carrier tape unit at the forefront end, and the carrier tape fixing piece is used for fixing the terminal carrier tape on the support base; cutting off the terminal carrier tape with a cutting blade of a moving cutter so that the carrier tape unit at the forefront end is separated from the terminal carrier tape; pushing the foremost carrier tape unit downwards along the vertical direction by using a pushing column of a movable cutter to separate the foremost carrier tape unit from the clamped terminal and fall into a vertical discharging channel; moving the held terminal upward in a vertical direction with a terminal clamp to align with a terminal insertion hole on the housing; and moving the gripped terminal in a second horizontal direction with the terminal clamp to insert the terminal into the terminal insertion hole on the housing.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a terminal carrier tape 2 of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the terminal carrier tape 2 and the terminals 3 are not shown; fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the support base 1, the cutting devices 6, 7 and the carrier tape fixture 4 of the connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

As shown in fig. 1-4, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly system is disclosed. The connector assembly system includes: a support base 1, a terminal carrier tape 2, a terminal fixture 5 and cutting devices 6, 7. The terminal carrier tape 2 includes a plurality of carrier tape units 20 connected in series, and a card slot 220 for holding the terminal 3 is formed in each carrier tape unit 20. On the top surface of the support base 1, conveying passages 12, 13 extending in the first horizontal direction are formed for conveying the terminal carrier tape 2 carrying the terminals 3. The cutting devices 6, 7 are used to cut off the terminal carrier tape 2 so that the forwardmost carrier tape unit 20 is separated from the terminal carrier tape 2. The terminal clamp 5 is used to clamp the terminals 3 held on the forwardmost carrier tape unit 20 when cutting the terminal carrier tape 2, to prevent the terminals 3 from moving.

Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of the cutting means 6, 7 of the connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the moving tool 6 is in an initial position separated from the fixed tool holder 7; fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of the cutting means 6, 7 of the connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the moving cutter 6 is in a cutting position cooperating with the stationary cutter holder 7.

As shown in fig. 1-4 and 9-10, in the illustrated embodiment the cutting means 6, 7 comprise: a movable tool 6 and a fixed tool holder 7. The fixed blade holder 7 is fixedly mounted on the support base 1 and is formed with a vertical discharge channel 70 communicating with the conveying channels 12, 13. The movable blade 6 is adapted to cooperate with the fixed blade holder 7 to sever the terminal carrier tape 2.

As shown in fig. 1 to 4 and 9 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the moving blade 6 pushes the foremost carrier tape unit 20 downward in the vertical direction after cutting the terminal carrier tape 2 so as to be separated from the terminals 3 held by the terminal clamp 5 and fall into the vertical discharge passage 70.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the moving blade 6, the carrier tape fixture 4 and the terminal fixture 5 are in an initial position; fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the carrier tape fixture 4 is in a position to secure the terminal carrier tape 2, the terminal clamp 5 is in a position to clamp the terminals 3, and the moving blade 6 is in an initial position; fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which the carrier tape fixture 4 is in a position to fix the terminal carrier tape 2, the terminal clamp 5 is in a position to clamp the terminals 3, and the moving blade 6 is in a position to cut off the terminal carrier tape 2; fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a connector assembly system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the carrier fixture 4 and the moving blade 6 are in an initial position and the terminal fixture 5 is in a position to insert the terminals 3 into the housing 8.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the carrier tape unit 20 includes: a horizontal bottom plate 21 and a pair of vertical side plates 22. The horizontal bottom plate 21 has left and right sides opposed in the lateral direction of the terminal carrier tape 2 and front and rear sides opposed in the longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape 2. A pair of vertical side plates 22 are connected to the left and right sides of the horizontal bottom plate 21, respectively. The horizontal bottom plates 21 of the plurality of carrier tape units 20 are connected in series in the longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape 2, and the card slots 220 are formed on the vertical side plates 22.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the moving tool 6 includes: a cutter body 60, a cutting blade 61 and a push post 62. A cutting blade 61 and a push post 62 are formed on one end of the cutter body 60. The cutting blade 61 and the push post 62 are opposed and spaced apart in a first horizontal direction. The dicing blade 61 is used to cut off the rear side of the horizontal bottom plate 21 of the foremost carrier tape unit 20 to separate the foremost carrier tape unit 20 from the terminal carrier tape 2. The pushing posts 62 are used to push down the front side of the horizontal bottom plate 21 of the front-most carrier tape unit 20 in the vertical direction so that the front-most carrier tape unit 20 is separated from the terminals 3 held by the terminal clamps 5 and falls into the vertical discharge passage 70.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, vertical insertion grooves 71 communicating with the vertical discharging passage 70 are formed on both left and right side walls of the vertical discharging passage 70 of the fixed tool holder 7, respectively. The vertical slots 71 on the left and right side walls of the fixed blade holder 7 are for respectively cooperating with the two side edge portions of the cutting blade 61 to position and guide the movement of the cutting blade 61 in the vertical direction.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, when the cutting blade 61 is in a position to cut off the terminal carrier tape 2, the cutting blade 61 and the push post 62 extend into the vertical discharge passage 70 of the fixed blade holder 7, and the side edge portion of the cutting blade 61 is inserted into the vertical insertion groove 71 of the fixed blade holder 7.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the conveying channels 12, 13 comprise: a first groove 12 and a second groove 13. The first groove 12 is formed on the top surface of the support base 1 and extends in the first horizontal direction. The second groove 13 is formed on the bottom surface of the first groove 12 and extends in the first horizontal direction. The first grooves 12 are for mating with the terminals 3 on the terminal carrier tape 2 to guide the terminals 3 to move in the first horizontal direction. The second grooves 13 are for cooperating with the terminal carrier tape 2 to guide the terminal carrier tape 2 to move in the first horizontal direction.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a mounting groove 16 penetrating the support base 1 in the vertical direction is also formed in the support base 1, and the fixed tool holder 7 is fixedly fitted in the mounting groove 16 of the support base 1.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide groove 15 is formed on the top surface of the support base 1, the guide groove 15 extending in the lateral direction of the conveying passages 12, 13 and communicating with the conveying passages 12, 13 for guiding the clamping ends 510, 520 of the terminal clamp 5 to move to predetermined clamping positions.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal fixture 5 includes: a first clamping body 51 and a second clamping body 52. The first clamping body 51 has a first clamping end 510. The second clamping body 52 has a second clamping end 510 for mating with the first clamping end 510. The second clamping body 52 is rotatably mounted on the first clamping body 51 such that the second clamping end 510 can be opened and closed with respect to the first clamping end 510 to clamp or unclamp the terminal 3.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a positioning groove 5a for positioning the terminal 3 is formed on the second clamping end portion 510, and the terminal 3 is positioned in the positioning groove 5a and clamped between the first clamping end portion 510 and the second clamping end portion 510.

As shown in fig. 1-10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly system further includes carrier fixtures 40, 41. The carrier tape fixing members 40, 41 are used to fix the terminal carrier tape 2 to the support base 1 to prevent the terminal carrier tape 2 from moving when cut by the cutting devices 6, 7.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the carrier tape fixtures 40, 41 include: a body portion 40 and a pair of pins 41. A pair of pins 41 are formed on one end of the body portion 40. A pair of insertion holes 14 to be engaged with a pair of pins 41 are formed in the support base 1. When the pair of pins 41 is inserted into the pair of insertion holes 14, the pair of pins 41 are caught on both lateral sides of the terminal carrier tape 2 and are clamped between the adjacent two terminals 3 so that the terminal carrier tape 2 cannot move in the horizontal direction.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly system includes a plurality of carrier tape fixtures 40, 41 spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape 2 for respectively securing the terminal carrier tape 2 at a plurality of different positions. One of the plurality of carrier tape fixtures 40, 41 is provided at a position adjacent to the fixed blade seat 7 of the cutting device 6, 7.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly system further comprises carrier tape conveying means (not shown) for driving the terminal carrier tape 2 carrying the terminals 3 along the conveying paths 12, 13. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the carrier tape transporting apparatus may include a driving gear having teeth engaged with gaps between the terminals 3 on the terminal carrier tape 2 to drive the terminal carrier tape 2 carrying the terminals 3 to move along the transporting paths 12, 13.

As shown in fig. 1-10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly system further includes a carrier tape fixture moving device (not shown) for driving the carrier tape fixtures 40, 41 to move in a vertical direction.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly system further includes: a tool moving device (not shown) and a jig moving device (not shown). The tool moving means is for driving the moving tool 6 to move in the vertical direction. The jig moving means is for driving the terminal jig 5 to move in the vertical direction and in the second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the terminal clamp 5 holds one end of the terminal 3 on the forwardmost carrier tape unit 20 before the cutting devices 6, 7 cut the terminal carrier tape 2. After the cutting devices 6, 7 cut off the terminal carrier tape 2, the terminal fixture 5 moves the held terminal 3 upward in the vertical direction to be aligned with the terminal insertion hole on the housing 8. After the held terminal 3 is aligned with the terminal insertion hole on the housing 8, the terminal fixture 5 moves the held terminal 3 in the second horizontal direction to insert the terminal 3 into the terminal insertion hole on the housing 8.

As shown in fig. 1 to 10, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembling method is also disclosed. The connector assembling method comprises the following steps:

s100: referring to fig. 1-4 and 9-10, the foregoing connector assembly system is provided;

s200: referring to fig. 5, the terminal carrier tape 2 carrying the terminals 3 is conveyed along the conveying paths 2, 3 until the foremost carrier tape unit 20 is moved to a predetermined position on the fixed blade holder 7;

s300: referring to fig. 6, the terminal 3 on the forwardmost carrier tape unit 20 is held by the terminal clamp 5, and the terminal carrier tape 2 is fixed to the support base 1 by the carrier tape fixing member 4;

s400: referring to fig. 7, the terminal carrier tape 2 is cut off with the cutting blade 61 of the moving cutter 6 so that the forwardmost carrier tape unit 20 is separated from the terminal carrier tape 2;

s500: referring to fig. 7, the foremost carrier tape unit 20 is pushed downward in the vertical direction by the pushing post 62 of the moving blade 6 so as to be separated from the held terminal 3 and fall into the vertical discharge passage 70;

s600: referring to fig. 8, the held terminal 3 is moved upward in the vertical direction with the terminal holder 5 so as to be aligned with the terminal insertion hole on the housing 8; and

s700: referring to fig. 8, the held terminal 3 is moved in the second horizontal direction by the terminal clamp 5 to insert the terminal 3 into the terminal insertion hole on the housing 8.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are exemplary and that modifications may be made to the embodiments described in various embodiments without structural or conceptual aspects and that these variations may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the examples disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and that the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In addition, any element numbers of the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. A connector assembly system, comprising:

a terminal carrier tape (2) comprising a plurality of carrier tape units (20) connected in series, each carrier tape unit (20) being formed with a clamping groove (220) for clamping the terminal (3);

a support base (1) having a conveying path (12, 13) extending in a first horizontal direction formed on a top surface thereof for conveying a terminal carrier tape (2) carrying the terminals (3);

-cutting means (6, 7) for cutting the terminal carrier tape (2) so as to separate the forwardmost carrier tape unit (20) from the terminal carrier tape (2); and

a terminal clamp (5) for clamping the terminal (3) clamped on the forefront carrier tape unit (20) when cutting the terminal carrier tape (2),

the cutting device (6, 7) comprises:

a fixed blade holder (7) fixedly mounted on the support base (1) and formed with a vertical discharge channel (70) communicating with the conveying channels (12, 13); and

a moving cutter (6) for cooperating with the fixed blade holder (7) to cut off the terminal carrier tape (2),

the moving cutter (6) pushes down the forefront carrier tape unit (20) in the vertical direction after cutting off the terminal carrier tape (2) so as to separate from the terminal (3) held by the terminal clamp (5) and fall into the vertical discharging channel (70).

2. The connector assembly system of claim 1, wherein:

the carrier tape unit (20) includes:

a horizontal bottom plate (21) having left and right sides opposed in a lateral direction of the terminal carrier tape (2) and front and rear sides opposed in a longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape (2); and

a pair of vertical side plates (22) respectively connected to left and right sides of the horizontal bottom plate (21),

the horizontal bottom plates (21) of the plurality of carrier tape units (20) are connected in series in the longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape (2), and the clamping grooves (220) are formed on the vertical side plates (22).

3. The connector assembly system of claim 2, wherein:

the moving tool (6) comprises:

a cutter body (60);

a cutting blade (61) formed on one end of the cutter body (60); and

a push-up column (62) formed on the one end of the cutter body (60) opposite to and spaced apart from the cutting blade (61) in the first horizontal direction,

the cutting blade (61) is used for cutting off the rear side of the horizontal bottom plate (21) of the forefront carrier tape unit (20) so as to separate the forefront carrier tape unit (20) from the terminal carrier tape (2),

the pushing column (62) is used for pushing the front side of the horizontal bottom plate (21) of the forefront carrying unit (20) downwards along the vertical direction so as to separate the forefront carrying unit (20) from the terminal (3) clamped by the terminal clamp (5) and fall into the vertical discharging channel (70).

4. A connector assembly system according to claim 3, wherein:

vertical slots (71) communicated with the vertical discharging channel (70) are respectively formed on the left side wall and the right side wall of the vertical discharging channel (70) of the fixed tool apron (7);

vertical slots (71) on the left and right side walls of the fixed blade holder (7) are used for respectively matching with the two side edge parts of the cutting blade (61) so as to position and guide the cutting blade (61) to move along the vertical direction.

5. The connector assembly system of claim 4, wherein:

when the cutting blade (61) is in a position to cut off the terminal carrier tape (2), the cutting blade (61) and the push post (62) extend into a vertical discharge passage (70) of the fixed blade holder (7), and side edge portions of the cutting blade (61) are inserted into vertical slots (71) of the fixed blade holder (7).

6. The connector assembly system of claim 1, wherein:

the conveying channel (12, 13) comprises:

a first groove (12) formed on the top surface of the support base (1) and extending in a first horizontal direction; and

a second groove (13) formed on the bottom surface of the first groove (12) and extending in a first horizontal direction,

the first groove (12) is used for being matched with a terminal (3) on the terminal carrier tape (2) to guide the terminal (3) to move along a first horizontal direction,

the second groove (13) is used for being matched with the terminal carrier tape (2) to guide the terminal carrier tape (2) to move along the first horizontal direction.

7. The connector assembly system of claim 6, wherein:

the support base (1) is also provided with a mounting groove (16) penetrating the support base (1) along the vertical direction, and the fixed tool apron (7) is fixedly embedded in the mounting groove (16) of the support base (1).

8. The connector assembly system of claim 1, wherein:

a guide groove (15) is formed on the top surface of the support base (1), the guide groove (15) extending in the lateral direction of the conveying passage (12, 13) and communicating with the conveying passage (12, 13) for guiding the clamping end portion (510, 520) of the terminal clamp (5) to move to a predetermined clamping position.

9. The connector assembly system of claim 1, wherein:

the terminal clamp (5) comprises:

a first clamping body (51) having a first clamping end (510); and

a second clamping body (52) having a second clamping end (510) for cooperation with the first clamping end (510),

the second clamping body (52) is rotatably mounted on the first clamping body (51) such that the second clamping end (510) can be opened and closed relative to the first clamping end (510) to clamp or unclamp the terminal (3).

10. The connector assembly system of claim 9, wherein:

a positioning groove (5 a) for positioning the terminal (3) is formed on the second clamping end portion (510), and the terminal (3) is positioned in the positioning groove (5 a) and clamped between the first clamping end portion (510) and the second clamping end portion (510).

11. The connector assembly system of any one of claims 1-10, further comprising:

and carrier tape fixing members (40, 41) for fixing the terminal carrier tape (2) to the support base (1) so as to prevent the terminal carrier tape (2) from moving when cut by the cutting means (6, 7).

12. The connector assembly system of claim 11, wherein:

the carrier tape fixing member (40, 41) includes:

a body (40); and

a pair of pins (41) formed on one end of the body portion (40),

a pair of insertion holes (14) which are matched with the pair of bolts (41) are formed on the supporting base (1),

when the pair of pins (41) is inserted into the pair of insertion holes (14), the pair of pins (41) are caught on both lateral sides of the terminal carrier tape (2) and are caught between the adjacent two terminals (3) so that the terminal carrier tape (2) cannot move in the horizontal direction.

13. The connector assembly system of claim 11, wherein:

the connector assembly system includes a plurality of carrier tape fixtures (40, 41) spaced apart along a longitudinal direction of the terminal carrier tape (2) for fixing the terminal carrier tape (2) at a plurality of different positions, respectively;

one of the plurality of carrier tape fixtures (40, 41) is disposed at a position adjacent to a fixed blade seat (7) of the cutting device (6, 7).

14. The connector assembly system of claim 1, further comprising:

and the carrier belt conveying device is used for driving the terminal carrier belt (2) carrying the terminals (3) to move along the conveying channels (12, 13).

15. The connector assembly system of claim 14, wherein:

the carrier tape conveying device comprises a driving gear, and gear teeth of the driving gear are meshed with gaps between the terminals (3) on the terminal carrier tape (2) to drive the terminal carrier tape (2) carrying the terminals (3) to move along the conveying channels (12, 13).

16. The connector assembly system of claim 11, further comprising:

and the carrier tape fixing part moving device is used for driving the carrier tape fixing parts (40, 41) to move along the vertical direction.

17. The connector assembly system of claim 1, further comprising:

a tool moving device for driving the moving tool (6) to move in a vertical direction; and

and a jig moving device for driving the terminal jig (5) to move in a vertical direction and a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

18. The connector assembly system of claim 17, wherein:

before the cutting devices (6, 7) cut the terminal carrier tape (2), the terminal clamp (5) clamps one end of the terminal (3) on the carrier tape unit (20) at the forefront end;

after the cutting devices (6, 7) cut off the terminal carrier tape (2), the terminal clamp (5) moves the clamped terminal (3) upwards in the vertical direction to align with a terminal jack on the shell (8);

after the held terminal (3) is aligned with the terminal insertion hole on the housing (8), the terminal clamp (5) moves the held terminal (3) in the second horizontal direction to insert the terminal (3) into the terminal insertion hole on the housing (8).

19. A connector assembly method comprising the steps of:

s100: providing the connector assembly system of claim 11;

s200: conveying the terminal carrier tape (2) carrying the terminals (3) along the conveying paths (2, 3) until the foremost carrier tape unit (20) is moved to a predetermined position on the fixed blade holder (7);

s300: the terminal clamp (5) is used for clamping the terminal (3) on the carrier tape unit (20) at the forefront end, and the carrier tape fixing piece (4) is used for fixing the terminal carrier tape (2) on the supporting base (1);

s400: cutting off the terminal carrier tape (2) with a cutting blade (61) of a moving cutter (6) so that the forwardmost carrier tape unit (20) is separated from the terminal carrier tape (2);

s500: pushing down the foremost carrier unit (20) in the vertical direction by a pushing column (62) of the moving cutter (6) so as to separate the foremost carrier unit from the clamped terminal (3) and fall into a vertical discharging channel (70);

s600: moving the clamped terminal (3) upward in a vertical direction with a terminal clamp (5) to be aligned with a terminal insertion hole on a housing (8); and

s700: the held terminal (3) is moved in the second horizontal direction by a terminal clamp (5) to insert the terminal (3) into a terminal insertion hole on a housing (8).