JP2007026955A - Terminal insertion device and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a terminal insertion device and method capable of confirming precisely insertion state of a terminal into a connector. <P>SOLUTION: The terminal insertion device 10 comprises an AE (acoustic emission, ultrasonic wave) detection sensor 15 and a connector holding member 20. The connector holding member 20 is connected to the AE detection sensor capable of propagation of AE. The terminal insertion method is provided with a step of installing a connector to the connector holding member 20, a step of inserting the terminal into the connector 11C, and a step of detecting insertion of the terminal by the AE detection sensor 15 connected to the connector holding member 20 capable of propagation of AE. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a terminal insertion device and a terminal insertion method, and more particularly to a terminal insertion device and a terminal insertion method in a manufacturing process of a wire harness.

  Conventionally, the operation of assembling a terminal-attached electric wire to a connector is performed by a manual temporary bonding method. The work of assembling a wire with a terminal into a connector can be broadly classified as a connector preparation work, a work for preparing a wire with a terminal, a work for notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector, a work for inserting a terminal into the connector, and a terminal insertion in the connector. It consists of the work of checking the condition and the work of taking out the finished product.

As a method of confirming the insertion state of the terminal in the connector, for example, a method of determining the appropriateness of insertion by a sensor that detects the amount of movement of the insertion jig that holds the terminal is known (Patent Document 1). In addition, a method is known in which when a jig holding a connector moves, a limit switch is used to determine whether or not insertion is appropriate (Patent Document 2).
JP-A-9-115642 JP-A 61-104579

  However, in the method of Patent Document 1, a terminal with an electric wire is inserted into a connector, pulled after being pushed to a predetermined position, and the locking of insertion is confirmed by the amount of movement. Therefore, an erroneous determination due to the buckling of the electric wire or an erroneous determination due to the slip of the chuck that holds the terminal and the electric wire may occur. Therefore, there is a problem in that it is not reliable to detect the amount of movement (length) using the sensor on the side of the insertion jig that holds the terminal in order to confirm the insertion position of the terminal in the connector.

  Moreover, it is necessary to provide a limit switch and a sliding part for detecting the movement amount individually on the connector side. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the amount of movement (length) using a limit switch on the jig side that holds the connector housing in order to confirm the insertion position of the terminal in the connector. Therefore, there is a problem that the apparatus cost is expensive.

  Moreover, in the method of the above-mentioned patent document 2, if the molded state of the terminal with the electric wire is poor, it can be attached if it is forcibly inserted when inserted into the connector, and if it is inserted to the locking position, it is properly adjusted by the resistance at the time of removal. There is a possibility of misjudging that it is locked. For this reason, when the appropriateness of the relative positional relationship between the terminal and the connector is determined by detecting the amount of movement, it is determined that an abnormal terminal is normally locked if it is inserted into the connector and fixed. Therefore, there is a problem that there is a risk of causing a defective outflow.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is to provide a terminal insertion device and a terminal insertion method capable of accurately confirming the insertion state of a terminal into a connector. .

  The terminal insertion device according to the present invention includes an AE detection sensor and a connector fixing device. The connector fixing device is connected to the AE detection sensor so that the AE can propagate.

  According to the terminal insertion device of the present invention, it is possible to check the depth of terminal insertion in the connector by detecting AE generated when the terminal is inserted to a predetermined depth in the connector. Therefore, if the terminal is not properly inserted into the connector, the AE that should be generated when the terminal is inserted up to a predetermined depth is not detected. It can be confirmed that the insertion depth is inappropriate. Therefore, by re-inserting the terminal into the connector, the terminal can be reliably inserted into the connector reliably.

  The “AE” means ultrasonic vibration generated when a material is deformed (acoustic emission). The “AE detection sensor” means a sensor that detects sound oscillated by contact between the terminal and the connector.

  Preferably, the terminal insertion device further includes a base member on which a connector fixing device is mounted, and an AE detection sensor is installed on the base member. Thereby, AE which generate | occur | produced by the contact between a terminal and a connector can be reliably detected with an AE detection sensor via a connector fixing device and a base member. Therefore, the depth of terminal insertion in the connector can be confirmed more reliably.

  Preferably, the terminal insertion device further includes a device for confirming whether or not a terminal is inserted into the connector.

  Thereby, the insertion state of the terminal in a connector can be checked comprehensively. Therefore, even if the terminal is not properly inserted into the connector, it is determined that the terminal insertion state is not appropriate. Therefore, by re-inserting the terminal into the connector, the terminal can be reliably inserted into the connector reliably.

  Preferably, in the terminal insertion device, the device for confirming the presence or absence of terminal insertion in the connector is a state in which at least a part of the optical characteristics of the laser light is changed from the laser oscillation device and the laser light emitted from the laser oscillation device. And a member for detecting a change in the optical characteristics of the laser light, and the reflecting plate is disposed at a position facing the laser oscillation device via the connector fixing device.

  The optical characteristic means, for example, the amount of reflected light received and the vibration direction (vibration direction) of a vibration vector in light (polarized light) biased in vibration. In this case, the member that detects the change in the optical characteristics of the laser beam detects the change in the amount of reflected laser beam and the vibration direction of the laser beam, for example, by means of the phase polarization reflector.

  As a result, the device for confirming the presence or absence of terminal insertion in the connector allows the laser light to pass through the gap between the terminal insertion location and the terminal and reach the reflector by means of a member that detects a change in the presence or absence of the optical characteristics of the laser light. Thus, it can be detected whether or not the light is reflected. And if the terminal is inserted in the connector, the reflected light-receiving amount will be in an appropriate range. On the other hand, if no terminal is inserted in the connector, the amount of reflected light received is outside the proper range. Further, the reflecting plate changes the vibration direction of the reflected laser light, for example, by 90 degrees with respect to the vibration direction of the irradiated laser light. If the terminal is inserted into the connector and the laser reaches the reflector through the gap between the terminal and the terminal insertion position between the connector, the vibration direction of the reflected laser light is changed by 90 degrees. For this reason, the change of the detected vibration direction is 90 degrees. On the other hand, if something other than a predetermined terminal (other object) is inserted into the connector, the laser beam does not reach the reflecting plate, so the vibration direction of the reflected laser beam is not changed. That is, the change in the detected vibration direction is not 90 degrees because the direction of vibration is not changed by 90 degrees by the reflector. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between the reflected light passing through the gap between the terminal insertion place and the terminal in the connector and the reflected light from other objects. For this reason, the reliability of the measurement of the amount of received light is improved. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not a terminal at a predetermined position in the connector has been inserted, that is, whether or not a terminal has been inserted in the connector, by detecting the change in the direction of vibration of the laser light and the amount of received light reflected. . Therefore, when the terminal is not inserted into the connector, it can be confirmed that the terminal is not inserted into the connector. Therefore, if it is determined that there is no terminal insertion in the device for checking the presence or absence of terminal insertion in the connector, the terminal can be reliably inserted into the connector by re-inserting the terminal. The “laser oscillation device” may have the function of the “member for detecting change in optical characteristics of laser light”.

  The connector fixing device of the present invention includes a plurality of fixing members and changing means. The plurality of fixing members are in contact with at least one of two opposing side surfaces and bottom surfaces of the connector. The changing means can change the position of the fixing member in a direction intersecting the side surface of the connector or the bottom surface of the connector with which the fixing member contacts.

  Thereby, the connector after a change is fixable by changing the position of a fixing member with a change means with respect to the change of the specification of a connector. Therefore, even if there is a change in the specification of the connector, it is not necessary to newly prepare the entire connector fixing device. Therefore, since the same connector fixing device can be applied to a plurality of types of connectors with different specifications, there is flexibility in changing the connector, a dedicated panel for each connector is not required, and as a result, the wire used for the connector The manufacturing cost of the harness can be reduced.

  Note that the “change means” includes a member that can move (change the position of) the fixing member in response to a change in the specification of the connector and a member that determines (fixes) the position of the fixing member.

  Preferably, the terminal insertion device includes a device for notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector.

  Thereby, while being able to insert a terminal into a connector easily, the terminal insertion state in a connector can be confirmed.

  Preferably, in the above-described terminal insertion device, the device that notifies the terminal insertion location to the connector includes a laser oscillation device that irradiates the terminal insertion location to the connector with laser light, and the laser oscillation device indicates whether or not the terminal is inserted into the connector. Also used to confirm. For example, a device that informs the location of terminal insertion into a connector uses a sensor light source diversion method to sequentially irradiate laser light corresponding to the work procedure, and teaches the worker where to insert the terminal into the connector.

  Thereby, when performing the operation | work which inserts a terminal into a connector, the mistake of insertion of a terminal can be prevented. Further, since the number of components of the terminal insertion device can be reduced as compared with the case where a member different from the laser oscillation device is used to confirm the presence / absence of terminal insertion, the manufacturing cost of the terminal insertion device can be reduced.

  According to the terminal insertion method according to the present invention, the method includes a step of installing a connector in the connector fixing device, a step of inserting a terminal into the connector, and a step of detecting by an AE detection sensor. In the step of detecting by the AE detection sensor, the insertion of the terminal is detected by the AE detection sensor connected to the connector fixing device and the AE so as to be able to propagate.

  According to the terminal insertion method of the present invention, it is possible to confirm the depth of terminal insertion in the connector by detecting AE generated when the terminal is inserted to a predetermined depth in the connector. Therefore, if the terminal is not properly inserted into the connector, it can be confirmed that the terminal insertion depth is inappropriate in the connector without performing a work such as applying stress to the terminal. Therefore, the terminal can be reliably and appropriately inserted into the connector by redoing the process of inserting the terminal into the connector.

  Preferably, the above terminal insertion method includes a step of detecting presence / absence of terminal insertion in the connector.

  Thereby, the insertion state of the terminal in a connector can be checked comprehensively. Therefore, even when the terminal is not properly inserted into the connector, the terminal can be reliably and appropriately inserted into the connector by redoing the process of inserting the terminal into the connector.

  Preferably, in the terminal insertion method, a laser oscillation device and a reflector that reflects the laser light emitted from the laser oscillation device in a state where at least a part of the optical characteristics of the laser light is changed include the connector fixing device. The step of confirming whether or not a terminal is inserted into the connector is irradiated with laser light from the laser oscillation device to the reflector via the terminal insertion location of the connector fixed to the connector fixing device. A step, a step of detecting a change in the optical characteristics of the laser light reflected by the reflecting plate, and a step of confirming whether or not a terminal is inserted at the terminal insertion location according to whether or not the optical characteristics are changed.

  Thereby, when the terminal is not inserted into the connector, it is possible to reliably detect the non-insertion of the terminal. Therefore, the terminal can be reliably inserted into the connector by re-inserting the terminal.

  Preferably, the terminal insertion method includes a method for adjusting the connector fixing device. The method for adjusting the connector fixing device includes a step of arranging the connector at a predetermined position, a step of adjusting by the changing means, and a step of fixing the position of the fixing member. The step of adjusting by the changing means is to position the plurality of fixing members so as to contact at least one of the two opposing side surfaces and the bottom surface of the connector with respect to the side surface or the bottom surface with which each of the fixing members contacts. The position of the fixing member is adjusted by a changing means that can be changed in the intersecting direction. The step of fixing the position of the fixing member fixes the position of the fixing member adjusted by the adjusting step.

  According to the adjustment method of the connector fixing device of the present invention, the changed connector can be easily fixed by changing the position of the fixing member by the changing means in response to the change of the specification of the connector. Therefore, even if there is a change in the specification of the connector, the connector fixing device can be adjusted to cope with connectors having different specifications by executing the method for adjusting the connector fixing device. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the wire harness in which the connector fixing device is used can be reduced as compared with the case where a fixing device is newly manufactured for each connector having different specifications.

  Preferably, the terminal insertion method includes a step of notifying a terminal insertion location to the connector and a step of inserting a terminal at the insertion location.

  Thereby, while inserting a terminal into a connector easily, the insertion state of a terminal can be confirmed.

  Preferably, in the terminal insertion method, the step of notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector includes the step of irradiating the terminal insertion location to the connector with the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation device. It is also used in the process of confirming the presence or absence of terminal insertion.

  Accordingly, when inserting a terminal into the connector, it is possible to prevent an error in inserting the terminal when inserting the terminal into the connector, and to confirm whether or not the terminal is inserted.

  As described above, according to the terminal insertion device and the terminal insertion method of the present invention, the insertion state of the terminal into the connector can be confirmed accurately.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a terminal insertion device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the terminal insertion apparatus in Embodiment 1 is demonstrated. The terminal insertion device 10 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a laser oscillation device 12, a reflection plate 13, a base plate 30, a vibration absorbing material 14, an AE detection sensor 15, and a connector fixing device 20. As shown in FIG. 1, in the terminal insertion device 10, five connectors 11A to 11E are fixed. The specifications of the five connectors 11A to 11E are different.

  The terminal insertion device 10 according to the first embodiment is a device for assembling terminals to the connectors 11A to 11E by a manual temporary connection method. The terminal insertion device 10 includes a connector fixing device 20, a device for notifying the terminal insertion location to the connectors 11A to 11E, a device for confirming whether or not a terminal is inserted in the connectors 11A to 11E, and a terminal insertion in the connectors 11A to 11E. And a device for confirming the depth.

  In addition, assembling the terminal to the connector in the terminal insertion device 10 includes the connector preparation work, the work of preparing the electric wire with the terminal, the work of notifying the terminal insertion position into the connector, the work of inserting the terminal into the connector, the terminal in the connector It is necessary to check the inserted state and take out the finished product.

  First, the connector fixing device 20 will be described. The connector fixing device 20 is a device that performs a task of fixing the connector in the connector preparation work.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of region A in FIG. FIG. 3A is an exploded view of the connector fixing device 20, and FIG. 3B is a diagram in which the connector fixing device 20 is incorporated in a certain state. 3A and 3B, the connector fixing device 20 includes a plurality of fixing members 22 and 23 and changing means 24 to 27. The fixing members 22 and 23 are in contact with two opposing side surfaces of the connector 11C. The fixing member 22 also contacts the bottom surface of the connector 11C. The changing means 24 to 27 determine that the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 can be changed in a direction intersecting the side surface or the bottom surface of the connector 11C with which the fixing members 22 and 23 are in contact. In the first embodiment, the changing unit is a member that determines (fixes) the position of the fixing members 22 and 23 and the changing units 24 and 25 that can move (change the position) the fixing members 22 and 23. The change means 26 and 27 are comprised. The connector fixing device 20 employs, for example, a long hole adjustment method.

  The changing means 24 and 25 are movable in the X direction and the Y direction. The changing means 24 and 25 can be moved in accordance with the specifications of the connector 11C. The fixing members 22 and 23 move following the changing means 24 and 25. The changing means 24, 25 have long holes 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b having degrees of freedom in the Y direction and the Z direction, respectively. In the long holes 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b of the changing means 24, 25 that move according to the specifications of the connector 11C, the changing means 26, 27 determine the movement of the fixing members 22, 23.

  Here, the structure of the terminal insertion device 10 will be described in more detail. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal insertion device 10 has a configuration in which five connector fixing devices 20 are mounted on the surface of the base plate 30. Further, the five connector fixing devices 20 are arranged in a line on the base plate 30. Each of the connector fixing devices 20 is connected to a guide member 21. A guide hole 21 a is formed in the guide member 21, and a connector having a predetermined specification (shape) can be inserted and fixed to each connector fixing device 20 from the guide hole 21 a to the connector fixing device 20. The guide member 21 is connected and fixed to the surface of the base plate 30 by a cylindrical support member 31. That is, the connector fixing device 20 is fixed to the base plate 30 via the guide member 21 and the support member 31. A vibration absorbing material 14 is connected to the back surface of the base plate 30.

  The AE detection sensor 15 is mounted on the surface of the base plate 30 so as to face the connector fixing devices 20 arranged in a row. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the AE detection sensor 15 is arranged at a position facing the connector fixing device 20 (third connector fixing device 20 from the left in FIG. 1) located in the center of the row of connector fixing devices 20. Yes. The number of connector fixing devices 20 mounted on the base plate 30 may be one or any number (plural) of two or more, and the position of the AE detection sensor 15 is also the position shown in FIG. Are different positions and any position on the base plate 30 as long as the AE from the connector fixing device 20 can be detected, or any surface on the surface of another member connected to the base plate 30 so that AE can propagate. You may arrange in a position.

  The five connector fixing devices 20 arranged on the base plate 30 basically have the same structure. The structure of the connector fixing device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The connector fixing device 20 includes fixing members 22 and 23 and changing means 24 to 28. The fixing member 22 is formed with a recess 29 that comes into contact with two adjacent side walls of the connector to be fixed and a bottom wall connected to the two side walls. The fixing member 22 is formed with an opening 32 for inserting a changing means 26 made of a screw (as a positioning member) for connecting and fixing the fixing member 22 to the changing means 24. The fixing member 22 is connected and fixed to changing means 24 as an adjusting member having a shape obtained by bending a sheet metal having a rectangular planar shape so that the cross-sectional shape is L-shaped. In the changing means 24, a long hole 24 a is formed on the surface facing the fixing member 22. The elongated hole 24a and the opening 32 of the fixing member 22 are disposed so as to overlap each other, and the changing means 26 that is a screw is inserted and fixed through the opening 32 and the elongated hole 24a, whereby the fixing member 22 is changed. Fixed to. And the position of the fixing member 22 can be arbitrarily changed along the long hole 24a of the changing means 24 (along the Z direction of FIG. 3). That is, after the position of the fixing member 22 with respect to the elongated hole 24a of the changing means 24 is changed as appropriate, the fixing member 22 and the changing means 24 are connected and fixed by the changing means 26 that is a screw, thereby fixing the fixing member 22 to the changing means 24. The position in the Z direction can be arbitrarily determined.

  Further, the surface of the changing unit 24 facing in a direction different from the direction in which the fixing member 22 is connected (the surface facing the changing unit 28 which is a guide rail as a guide member in FIG. 3) is also provided in the Y direction of FIG. An elongated hole 24b is formed. The changing means 28 that is a guide rail is formed with a recess into which the changing means 26 that is a screw can be inserted and fixed on the surface facing the changing means 24. For this reason, after appropriately adjusting the position of the changing means 24 in the Y direction with respect to the changing means 28, the changing means 26 (screw) is inserted and fixed in the recess of the changing means 28 through the elongated hole 24b. The position of the changing means 24 in the Y direction with respect to (that is, the position in the Y direction of the fixing member 22 connected to the changing means 24) can be arbitrarily determined.

  Moreover, in the change means 28, the said recessed part is formed so that it may extend in a X direction. Therefore, after changing the relative position of the changing unit 24 with respect to the changing unit 28 so that the changing unit 24 is arranged at an arbitrary position in the X direction with respect to the changing unit 28, the elongated hole 24b is formed as described above. By inserting and fixing the changing means 26 (screw) into the recess of the changing means 28 via the position of the changing means 24 in the X direction (that is, the position of the fixing member 22 connected to the changing means 24 in the X direction). Can be arbitrarily determined.

  Also for the fixing member 23, as in the case of the fixing member 22 described above, the changing means 25, which is a guide rail, the changing means 25 as an adjusting member having the same structure as the changing means 24, which is an adjusting member, and screws. A certain change means 27 can be used to arbitrarily determine the position of the fixing member 23 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction (direction intersecting the surface of the connector 11C). Specifically, the fixing member 23 is connected and fixed to the changing means 25. The fixing member 23 includes a contact portion 33 that comes into contact with the side wall of the connector 11C to be fixed, and a fixing portion that is connected to the contact portion 33 and faces a surface on which the long hole 25a of the changing means 25 is formed. An opening is formed in the fixed part. The fixing member 23 is arranged so that the opening and the elongated hole 25a of the changing means 25 overlap. The fixing member 23 is connected and fixed to the changing means 25 by inserting and fixing the changing means 27 that is a screw into the elongated hole 25a through the opening. Here, as in the case of the fixing member 22, the changing means 25 is formed so that the long hole 25 a extends in the Z direction, so that the fixing member 23 of the fixing member 23 extends along the long hole 25 a (that is, in the Z direction). The relative position with respect to the changing means 25 can be arbitrarily changed and fixed.

  The connection and fixing method between the changing means 25 as the adjusting member and the changing means 28 as the guide rail is basically the same as the connecting and fixing method between the changing means 24 and the changing means 28. Therefore, the fixing member 23 can arbitrarily change and fix the position in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction with respect to the changing means 28.

  And in the connector fixing device 20, the changing means 28 which is a guide rail is arrange | positioned in parallel at predetermined intervals so that it may extend along a X direction. In this case, the changing unit 28 is arranged so that the direction in which the recesses for fixing the changing units 24 and 25 formed in the changing unit 28 extend is along the same predetermined direction (X direction). And the fixing members 22 and 23 are arrange | positioned in the part pinched | interposed by two change means. As a result, in the region sandwiched between the changing means 28 that are two guide rails, the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction can be arbitrarily changed and fixed as described above. The positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 can be determined so as to correspond to the shape of the connector 11C. Specifically, a connecting portion (corner portion) between a side surface located on the changing means 28 side to which the fixing member 22 is connected in the connector 11C and a side surface continuing to the side surface, and a corner portion of the bottom surface continuing to the connecting portion are provided. The arrangement of the fixing member 22 is determined so as to be held by the concave portion of the fixing member 22. Further, the arrangement of the fixing member 23 is determined so that the contact portion 33 of the fixing member 23 comes into contact with the side surface of the connector 11C facing the changing means 28 to which the fixing member 23 is connected via the changing means 25. As a result, the arrangement of the fixing members 22 and 23 can be determined along the shape of the connector 11C.

  As the material of the changing means 24 to 27, it is preferable to use a flexible material such as a resin from the viewpoint of protecting the connector 11 </ b> C in the portion contacting the connector 11 </ b> C in the changing means 24 to 27. In a portion that does not come into contact with the connector 11C, it is preferable to use, for example, sheet metal as the material of the changing means 24 to 27 from the viewpoint of cost reduction.

  Next, a method for adjusting the connector fixing device will be described. With reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the method for adjusting the connector fixing device 20 includes the step of arranging the connector 11C at a predetermined position, and the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 are adjusted by changing means 24-27. And a step of fixing the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 adjusted by the adjusting step.

  A method for adjusting the connector fixing device 20 will be described in detail below. First, a step of arranging the connector 11C at a predetermined position is performed. Specifically, the connector 11 </ b> C is inserted into the guide hole 21 a in the guide member 21.

  Next, a step of adjusting the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 by the changing means 24 to 27 is performed. Specifically, the changing means to which the fixing members 22 and 23 are connected so that a part of the bottom surface of the connector 11C is in contact with the fixing member 22 and the two sets of side surfaces of the connector 11C are in contact with the fixing members 22 and 23. Move 24, 25. As the changing means 24 and 25 move, the fixing members 22 and 23 also move.

  Finally, a step of fixing the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 adjusted in the adjusting step is performed. Specifically, at the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 adjusted as described above, the changing means 26 and 27 are passed through the long holes 24a, 24b, 25a and 25b in the changing means 24 and 25, respectively. By performing the above steps, the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 are fixed. As a result, the connector 11C can be fixed.

  The connector fixing device 20 according to the first embodiment fixes the fixing members 22 and 23 by manual adjustment, but is not particularly limited thereto. The connector fixing device 20 may fix the fixing members 22 and 23 by NC control, for example.

  Next, a device for notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector 11C in the terminal insertion device 10 will be described. The device that notifies the terminal insertion location to the connector 11C is a device that performs the operation of notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the device that notifies the terminal insertion location to connector 11 </ b> C includes laser oscillation device 12, a drive device, and a control device. The laser oscillating device 12 irradiates a laser beam to a terminal insertion place into the connector 11C. The laser oscillation device 12 includes a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit. The light projecting unit emits laser light. The light receiving unit detects the reflected laser. The drive device is biaxial and moves the laser oscillation device 12 substantially parallel to a plane where the terminal insertion place of the connector 11C is located. The control device determines the position of the light projecting unit in order to irradiate the laser beam at a predetermined position, and controls the drive device so as to move the laser oscillation device 12 to that position.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the laser emission optical axis 16 of the laser oscillation device 12 is arranged so as to be parallel to the central axis of the connector insertion location of the connector 11 </ b> C (the axis in the direction in which the terminal insertion location extends). And it arrange | positions in the position away from the connector 11C to such an extent that it does not cause trouble when inserting the terminal into the connector 11C. Further, in the first embodiment, the laser light source diversion method that is also used by the laser oscillation device 12 for a device that confirms whether or not a terminal is inserted into the connector 11C is employed.

  Next, a method for notifying the terminal insertion location into the connector 11C will be described. The step of informing the terminal insertion location to the connector 11C includes the step of irradiating the terminal insertion location to the connector 11C with the laser beam emitted from the laser oscillation device 12, and the laser oscillation device 12 is used to insert the terminal in the connector 11C. It is also used to confirm the presence or absence.

  Specifically, the control device stores a work procedure according to the specifications of the connector 11C. The control device moves the laser oscillation device 12 by the driving device according to the procedure. The laser oscillation device 12 sequentially irradiates each of a plurality of terminal insertion locations in the connector 11C with laser light from the light projecting unit in accordance with the work procedure. The operator is instructed where to insert the terminal in the connector 11C by laser irradiation. The operator sequentially inserts terminals into the places irradiated with the connector 11C.

  Next, an apparatus for confirming whether or not a terminal has been inserted into the connector 11C will be described. The terminal insertion device in the connector 11C is a device that performs the operation of confirming whether or not the terminal is inserted in the connector 11C among the operations of confirming the insertion state of the terminal in the connector.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the device for confirming whether or not a terminal is inserted in the connector includes a laser oscillation device 12 and a reflection plate 13. In the first embodiment, a device that confirms whether or not a terminal is inserted into the connector 11C employs, for example, a transmission / reflection method.

  The reflecting plate 13 reflects the laser light emitted from the laser oscillation device 12 in a state where the direction of vibration of the laser light is changed. The reflection plate 13 is disposed at a position facing the laser oscillation device 12 with the connector fixing device 20 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, the laser oscillation device 12 includes a member that detects a change in the optical characteristics of the laser light.

  As the laser oscillation device 12, for example, a coaxial regression type is used. The reflecting plate 13 changes the direction of vibration of the laser light wave with respect to the plane of the reflecting plate 13 and reflects the irradiated laser light. The optical characteristics mean, for example, the amount of reflected light received and the vibration direction (vibration direction) of a vibration vector in light (polarized light) that is biased in vibration. That is, the reflecting plate 13 changes the direction of vibration of the reflected laser light by 90 degrees with respect to the direction of vibration of the irradiated laser light. In the first embodiment, as described above, the laser oscillation device 12 is also used for a device that notifies the terminal insertion location to the connector 11C.

  Next, a method for confirming whether or not a terminal has been inserted into the connector 11C will be described. A method for confirming whether or not a terminal is inserted into the connector 11C includes a step of irradiating the reflecting plate 13 with laser light from the laser oscillation device 12 through a terminal inserting position of the connector 11C fixed to the connector fixing device 20, and a reflecting plate. The terminal is inserted into the terminal insertion place by detecting whether the laser light is reflected by the reflecting plate 13 according to the step of detecting the optical characteristic change of the laser light reflected at 13 and whether or not the optical characteristic is changed. Confirming whether or not it has been performed.

  Specifically, in the step of inserting a terminal into the connector 11C, an operator inserts a terminal into the connector 11C, and then irradiates the laser from the light projecting portion of the laser oscillation device 12 toward the terminal insertion location of the connector 11C. The laser light passes through the gap between the terminal insertion location and the terminal, hits the reflection plate 13, and is reflected. The reflected laser light returns along the substantially same path in the direction opposite to the irradiation direction and reaches the light receiving unit of the laser oscillation device 12. And in the member which detects the change of the optical characteristic of a laser beam, the change of received light quantity and the direction of vibration is detected and measured.

  It can be confirmed whether or not the terminal is inserted by changing the measured amount of received light and the direction of vibration. If the measured amount of received light is greater than the appropriate value, it can be determined that the terminal is not inserted. If the measured amount of received light is smaller than the appropriate value, it can be determined that something other than the terminal to be inserted is inserted, since it is considered that something other than the terminal to be inserted is blocking the laser beam.

  The laser beam reflected by the reflecting plate 13 changes the direction of vibration by 90 degrees with respect to the laser beam emitted from the light projecting unit. If the measured displacement of the change in the direction of vibration is 90 degrees, it can be determined that the amount of received laser light that has passed through the gap between the terminal insertion location and the inserted terminal and is reflected by the reflector is measured. On the other hand, if the measured vibration direction change is not 90 degrees, the reflector 13 changes the vibration direction by 90 degrees, so that the laser beam is reflected by an object other than the terminal to be inserted. I can judge.

  Next, an apparatus for confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C will be described. The device for confirming the depth of insertion of the terminal in the connector 11C is a device for confirming the depth of insertion of the terminal in the connector 11C among the operations for confirming the insertion state of the terminal in the connector.

  The device for checking the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11 </ b> C includes an AE detection sensor 15, a connector fixing device 20, a base plate 30 as a base member, and a vibration absorbing material 14. The connector fixing device 20 is connected to an AE detection sensor so that the AE can be propagated. A connector fixing device 20 is mounted on the base plate 30. Specifically, the connector fixing device 20 that holds the five connectors 11 </ b> A to 11 </ b> E is mounted on the base plate 30. An AE detection sensor 15 is installed on the base plate 30. In the first embodiment, an apparatus that confirms the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C employs, for example, an AE detection method.

  The vibration absorber 14 is disposed on the back surface side of the base plate 30 at a position facing the laser oscillation device 12 via the connector 11C. The vibration absorbing material 14 is a member for absorbing AE. As the material of the vibration absorbing material 14, an insulating material such as rubber can be used. Although the vibration absorbing material 14 is provided in the first embodiment, the present invention is not particularly limited to such a configuration, and the vibration absorbing material 14 may not be provided, and even if the vibration absorbing material 14 is provided, the material, etc. Is not particularly limited.

  Next, a process of confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C will be described. The step of checking the terminal insertion depth of the connector 11C includes the step of installing the connector 11C in the connector fixing device 20, the step of inserting a terminal into the connector 11C, and the insertion of the terminal can be propagated through the connector fixing device 20 and the AE. And a step of detecting by the AE detection sensor 15 connected to the.

  As described above, the connector 11C is fixed by the connector fixing device 20, and the terminal is inserted into the connector 11C. The AE detection sensor 15 detects ultrasonic waves that oscillate when the protrusion provided on the terminal passes through the protrusion provided in the connector 11C. Based on the detected energy level, it is determined whether or not the terminal is inserted and locked in an appropriate position in the connector 11C. Thereby, the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C can be confirmed.

  In the step of detecting the insertion of the terminal by the AE detection sensor 15 connected to the connector fixing device 20 and the AE so that the AE can propagate, ultrasonic waves in a frequency band in which the frequency of the oscillating ultrasonic waves can be differentiated from disturbance noise sounds. To detect. Further, as a function for limiting the frequency band, a sound amplifier and a determination device may be provided.

  In addition, the protrusion provided in the terminal is, for example, a burr for preventing disconnection. The protrusion provided in the connector 11C is a barrier in the connector 11C, for example. When the terminal is inserted to an appropriate position in the connector 11C, for example, a pull-off prevention bar (protrusion) provided on the terminal side gets over the barrier (protrusion) in the connector 11C and is locked. That means. In this case, high frequency ultrasonic waves are generated.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sound wave spectrum generated when a general terminal is inserted into a general connector 11C and when the terminal burr is locked over the barrier of the connector 11C. In FIG. 4, the vertical axis represents sound intensity (unit: dB), and the horizontal axis represents frequency (unit: kHz). As shown in FIG. 4, the frequency of the disturbance sound when the terminal touches the connector fixing device 20 does not experimentally exceed 80 kHz. On the other hand, the range of the frequency of the ultrasonic wave generated when the terminal is inserted into the connector 11C extends from about 80 kHz to about 250 kHz.

  The integration of sound intensity in a certain frequency band represents the energy of sound waves generated when locking between the terminal and the connector 11C according to Percival's theorem. Based on the magnitude of this energy, it can be determined whether the terminal has been normally inserted and locked in the connector 11C. It is necessary to set the frequency band used for determination as a reference for the determination to a frequency range that can be differentiated from disturbance noise. When a general terminal as shown in FIG. 4 is inserted into a general connector, an area of 80 kHz to 250 kHz that does not interfere with disturbance noise is set as a determination frequency range. Preferably, the region of 100 kHz to 200 kHz is set as the determination frequency range. This is because the intensity of sound having a frequency within this range does not interfere with disturbance noise and is easy to detect, as shown in FIG. Note that the determination frequency range is a value that is uniquely determined by the relative types of terminals and connectors. In the case as shown in FIG. 4, the frequency band (determination frequency range) of the sound wave generated when the terminal is locked is determined in the range of 80 kHz to 250 kHz, for example, and the sound intensity is integrated in that range. And the insertion depth in the connector of a terminal can be confirmed by the magnitude | size of the energy obtained by integrating in the frequency range of this determination. That is, if the actual value of the magnitude of energy exceeds the reference value, it can be confirmed that the terminal has been inserted to a predetermined insertion depth in the connector.

  Next, the operation of the terminal insertion device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. The operations for assembling the terminals to the connector 11C in the terminal insertion device 10 can be roughly classified into the connector preparation operation, the operation for preparing the terminals, the operation for informing the terminal insertion location to the connector, the operation for inserting the terminals into the connector, the terminals in the connector. It is necessary to check the insertion state of the product and to take out the finished product.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal insertion device 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the step of turning on the main power supply of the terminal insertion device 10 (S10), the step of setting the type of connector (S11), and the step of setting the connector 11C to the connector fixing device 20 (S12) Implemented sequentially. In the step (S12) of setting the connector 11C to the connector fixing device 20, the connector 11C is fixed by the fixing members 22 and 23 and the changing means 24 to 28 as described above. By performing the steps (S10 to S12), the connector preparation work can be performed. The process of fixing the connector 11C with the fixing members 22 and 23 and the changing means 24 to 28 is necessary only for the first time when working with a new type of connector, and the position is already optimal after the second time. The operation of fitting the connector 11C into the space surrounded by the fixed members 22 and 23 may be performed in the step (S12).

  Next, a step of turning on the operation activation switch of the terminal insertion device 10 (S20) and a step of manually taking out the terminals (S21) are performed. By performing the steps (S20 and S21), an operation of preparing a terminal can be performed.

  Thereafter, a step (S30) of moving the laser oscillation device 12 to the terminal insertion place is performed. In this step, as described above, the laser oscillation device 12 moves so that the light projecting portion of the laser oscillation device 12 is arranged in accordance with the terminal insertion location of the connector 11C. Next, a step (S31) in which the laser beam irradiates and teaches the terminal insertion place of the connector 11C is performed. By performing the steps (S30 and S31), it is possible to perform an operation for notifying the terminal insertion location into the connector.

  Then, the process (S40) of inserting a terminal in the terminal insertion place of connector 11C manually is implemented. By performing the step (S40), an operation of inserting a terminal into the connector can be performed.

  Thereafter, a step (S50) of determining whether or not the terminal insertion position is correct is performed. In the step (S50), as described above, the change in the change in the received light amount and the vibration direction of the laser beam that is reflected by the reflected laser beam 13 and returned is detected. If the change in the change in the amount of received light and the direction of vibration is within an appropriate range, YES is determined in step (S50). Then, the process (S60) of turning on an AE detection sensor is implemented. On the other hand, if at least one of the change in the amount of received light and the change in vibration direction is outside the appropriate range, NO is determined in step (S50). In this case, the step (S40) of manually inserting the terminal into the terminal insertion location of the connector 11C is repeated. By performing the step (S50), it is possible to confirm the presence or absence of terminal insertion.

  Then, after determining YES in the step (S50) as described above, when the step (S60) for turning on the AE detection sensor 15 is performed, the insertion depth of the terminal in the connector 11C is then correct. The step (S61) of determining whether or not is performed. In the step (S61), as described above, the AE detection sensor 15 detects the sound oscillated by the contact between the terminal and the connector 11C. If the energy value calculated based on the detected sound is within an appropriate range, YES is determined in the step (S61). Then, a step (S70) in which the next operation is started by the limit switch is performed. On the other hand, if the detected value is outside the appropriate range, NO is determined in step (S61). In this case, the step (S32) of manually inserting the terminal into the terminal insertion location of the connector 11C is repeated. By performing the steps (S60 and S61), it is possible to confirm the depth of terminal insertion in the connector.

  Then, after it is determined as YES in the step (S61) as described above, the step (S70) in which the next operation is started by the limit switch is performed. Next, a step (S71) of determining whether or not terminal insertion has been completed as the product is performed. If all the terminals have been inserted, YES is determined in step (S71). Then, the process (S72) which removes a completed product from a terminal insertion apparatus manually is implemented. On the other hand, if terminal insertion is not completed as the product, NO is determined in step (S71). In this case, the step of manually taking out the terminal (S21) is repeated. By performing steps S70 to S72, a work for taking out a finished product can be performed.

  In the first embodiment, the operation of the terminal insertion device 10 is a manual temporary fastening method, but is not particularly limited thereto. You may perform all or one part of the said process with a machine.

  As described above, the terminal insertion device 10 has the connector fixing device 20 including a plurality of fixing members and changing means. Therefore, the changed connector 11C can be easily fixed by changing the changing means in response to the change in the connector specifications. Therefore, even if the specification of the connector 11C is changed, it is not necessary to change the connector fixing device 20 to a new device. Thus, cost reduction can be achieved.

  Further, the terminal insertion device 10 has a device that informs the terminal insertion location to the connector by the sensor light source diversion method. Therefore, when inserting a terminal into a connector, the mistake of insertion of a terminal can be prevented.

  Further, the terminal insertion device 10 has a device for confirming whether or not a terminal is inserted into the connector by the transmission / reflection method. Therefore, even when the terminal cannot be inserted into the connector, the terminal can be reliably inserted into the connector by re-inserting the terminal.

  Furthermore, the terminal insertion device 10 has a device for confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector based on the AE detection method. Therefore, even if the terminal is not properly inserted into the connector, the terminal can be properly inserted into the connector reliably by re-inserting the terminal.

  According to the terminal insertion device 10 of the first embodiment, the connector 11C can be easily fixed without changing the connector fixing device 20 even if the specification of the connector 11C changes. Moreover, the operation | work which inserts a terminal manually in the terminal insertion place of the connector 11C can be performed efficiently. Further, erroneous insertion can be prevented. Furthermore, the insertion quality can be guaranteed.

  Next, the 1st and 2nd modification of the terminal insertion apparatus 10 in Embodiment 1 is demonstrated. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing terminal insertion device 40 in a first modification of terminal insertion device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side view showing terminal insertion device 50 in the second modification of terminal insertion device 10 in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the terminal insertion device 40 shown in FIG. 6 is basically the same as that of the terminal insertion device 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention, but the five connectors 11A to 11E fixed by the connector fixing device 20 are the same. The arrangement differs from the terminal insertion device 10 shown in FIG. Specifically, in the terminal insertion device 40 shown in FIG. 6, distances R1 to R5 in the horizontal direction from the AE detection sensor 15 to the centers of the connectors 11A to 11E are made equal. From a different point of view, in the terminal insertion device 40 shown in FIG. 6, the connector fixing device 20 is arranged so that the connectors 11 </ b> A to 11 </ b> E are positioned on the circumference around the AE detection sensor 15.

  The configuration of the terminal insertion device 50 shown in FIG. 7 is basically the same as that of the terminal insertion device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, but the five connectors 11A to 11A fixed by the connector fixing device 20 11E is different from the terminal insertion device 10 shown in FIG. Specifically, in the terminal insertion device 50 shown in FIG. 7, the base plate 30 and the connector are fixed so that the distances R1 to R5 in the vertical direction from the AE detection sensor 15 to the centers of the connectors 11A to 11E are equal. The length of the support member (see FIG. 2) that connects the apparatus is set.

  If it does in this way, since detection conditions in AE detection sensor 15 can be made almost equivalent about each of connectors 11A-11E, detection conditions in AE detection sensor can be made more uniform. As a result, the detection accuracy by the AE detection sensor 15 can be further improved.

  Since operations of terminal insertion devices 40 and 50 are similar to those of terminal insertion device 10 according to the first embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

  As described above, according to the terminal insertion devices 40 and 50, the distance from the sound oscillation source to the AE detection sensor is made equal. Therefore, variation in the amount of sound energy can be reduced.

  Next, first and second modifications of the connector fixing device 20 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing a connector fixing device 400 in a first modification of the connector fixing device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a connector fixing device 500 in a second modification of the connector fixing device 20 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The configuration of the connector fixing device 400 shown in FIG. 8 is basically the same as that of the connector fixing device 200 in the first embodiment of the present invention, but differs in the configuration of the fixing member and the changing means.

  Specifically, the connector fixing device 400 includes fixing members 422 to 424 and changing means 426 to 429. The two fixing members 424 are movable in the X direction. The two fixing members 423 are movable in the Y direction. The changing means 427 and 428 determine the positions of the fixing members 424 and 423 in the long holes 424a and 423a formed in the fixing members 424 and 423, respectively. The four changing means 426 are movable in the Z direction. The changing means 428 and 429 determine the relative position of the fixing member 422.

  More specifically, the connector fixing device 400 arbitrarily sets the fixing members 424 and 423 as press positioning members disposed so as to be able to contact each of the four side surfaces of the connector 11C and the positions of the fixing members 424 and 423. Four changing means 426 which are positioning struts for changing and fixing the position, a fixing member 422 to which the changing means 426 is connected and fixed, and also has a function as a pedestal to which the bottom surface of the connector 11C contacts, and a fixing member 424 Change means 427 that is a screw for fixing the relative position of the change means 426, change means 428 that is a screw for fixing the relative position of the fixing member 423 and the change means 426, and a change. A changing means 429 which is a screw for fixing the relative position between the means 426 and the fixing member 422 is provided. The two changing means 424 are arranged to face each other so as to face one set of side faces of the connector 11C facing each other. The other two fixing members 423 are arranged to face each other so as to face the other set of side surfaces extending in the direction intersecting with the set of side surfaces in the connector 11C. That is, the fixing members 424 and 423 are arranged so that the line connecting the two fixing members 424 and the line connecting the two fixing members 423 intersect (so as to be orthogonal to each other in FIG. 8).

  The structure for positioning the fixing members 424 and 423 with respect to the fixing member 422 is basically the same. Therefore, as a representative example, a structure for positioning the fixing member 424 shown on the rightmost side in FIG. 8 with respect to the fixing member 422 will be described.

  The fixing member 424 has a rod-like shape extending along the central axis extending in the X direction shown in FIG. The fixing member 424 is formed with a long hole 424a penetrating the fixing member 424 in a direction intersecting with the central axis. The fixing member 424 is disposed so that one opening (an opening facing the fixing member 422 in FIG. 8) of the elongated hole 424 a faces the top surface of the changing unit 426. A screw hole 430 for inserting and fixing the changing means 427 is formed on the top surface (upper surface) of the changing means 426. The fixing member 424 is connected and fixed to the changing means 426 by inserting and fixing the changing means 427 into the screw hole 430 through the elongated hole 424a in a state where the fixing member 424 is arranged on the top surface of the changing means 426. Can do. Further, the long hole 424a is formed to extend in the X direction (extending direction of the changing means 424) as shown in FIG. Therefore, the position of the fixing member 424 in the X direction can be arbitrarily changed and fixed by sliding the fixing member 424 in the X direction with respect to the changing means 426.

  Further, the changing means 426 is inserted into the sleeve portion 431 connected to the fixing member 422. The sleeve portion 431 is formed with a through-hole penetrating the fixing member 422 into which the changing means 426 can be inserted. A screw hole 432 into which the changing means 429 that is a screw can be inserted is formed on the side surface of the sleeve portion 431. Then, the change means 426 is slid relative to the sleeve portion 431 in the Z direction (direction intersecting the surface of the fixing member 422: a direction perpendicular to the surface of the fixing member 422 in FIG. 8). The relative position of the changing means 426 with respect to the fixing member 422 can be arbitrarily changed. The relative position of the changing means 426 with respect to the fixing member 422 can be fixed by inserting the changing means 429 that is a screw into the screw hole 432 and fixing the changing means 426 in a pressed state. As a result, the relative position of the fixing member 424 with respect to the fixing member 422 in the X direction and the Z direction can be changed and fixed.

  The structure as described above is common to the four fixing members 424 and 423 as described above. As for the fixing member 423, the direction in which the central axis in which the fixing member 423 extends is not the X direction but the Y direction (a direction parallel to the surface of the fixing member 422 and intersecting the X direction: FIG. 8 is a direction orthogonal to the X direction). Further, the extending direction of the long hole 423a formed in the fixing member 423 is also the Y direction. Therefore, regarding the fixing member 423, the relative position with respect to the fixing member 422 can be arbitrarily changed and fixed in the Y direction and the Z direction.

  With such a configuration, the bottom surface of the connector 11C disposed at a position surrounded by the fixing members 424 and 423 contacts the upper surface of the fixing member 422 (the connector 11C is mounted on the fixing member 422). At the same time, the position of the connector 11C can be fixed by fixing the positions of the fixing members 424 and 423 so that the tip ends of the four fixing members 424 and 423 are in contact with the four side surfaces of the connector 11C. it can.

  In addition, the four fixing members 424 and 423 that also function as fixing members are respectively arranged so as to face the four side surfaces of the connector 11C to be fixed as described above, and intersect with the side surfaces of the connector 11C ( A configuration different from the configuration in which the positions of the fixing members 424 and 423 can be changed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side surface in FIG. 8 can also be used. For example, a wall portion fixed to the fixing member 422 is formed at a position facing one of the four side surfaces of the connector 11C, and the position can be changed so as to face the other three side surfaces. Three fixing members 424 and 423 may be arranged. In addition, two wall portions fixed to the fixing member 422 are formed at positions facing two adjacent side surfaces among the four side surfaces of the connector 11C so as to face the other two side surfaces ( In other words, the two fixing members 424 and 423 may be arranged at positions facing the two wall portions. In this case, the connector 11C is disposed between the wall portion and the fixing members 424 and 423, and the relative position of the fixing members 424 and 423 with respect to the wall portion is changed, so that the wall portion and the fixing members 424 and 423 are changed. Thus, the connector 11C can be fixed.

  Further, the shape of the tip portion of the fixing members 424 and 423 that contacts the side surface of the connector 11C may be a shape (for example, a needle shape, a spherical shape, or the like) such that the contact portion with the connector 11C is in point contact. Structure capable of surface contact with the side surface of the connector 11C (having a contact surface for contacting the side surface of the connector 11C, and is connected to the main body of the fixed members 424 and 423 by a movable connection portion capable of changing the direction of the contact surface. It may be a structure having a contact member.

  Next, a method for adjusting the connector fixing device 400 will be described. The connector 11C is disposed on the fixing member 422. The changing means 427 determines the position of the fixing member 424 in the X direction. The position of the fixing member 423 in the Y direction is determined by the changing unit 428. The position of the fixing member 422 is determined by the changing means 429 via the four changing means 426 in the Z direction. The side surface of the connector 11C is fixed by the tip portions of the four changing means 424 and 425, and the bottom surface of the connector 11C is fixed by the fixing member 422.

  The connector fixing device 400 according to the first modified example does not include the guide member 21, but is not particularly limited to this configuration. It is preferable that the guide member 21 is provided and the guide hole 21a is formed in the guide member because the connector 11C can be easily inserted.

  As described above, according to the connector fixing device 400 according to the first modified example, in the same manner as the connector fixing device 20, by changing the arrangement of the changing means with respect to the change in the specification of the connector, The connector 11C can be easily fixed. Therefore, even if the specification of the connector 11C is changed, there is no need to change the connector fixing device 400 to a new device. Thus, cost can be reduced.

  Next, the connector fixing device 500 in the second modification will be described. The configuration of the connector fixing device 500 shown in FIG. 9 is basically the same as that of the connector fixing device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, but differs in the configuration of the fixing member and the changing means.

  Specifically, the connector fixing device 500 includes fixing members 522 and 523 and changing means 524, 525, and 527 to 529. The fixing member 522 fixes the connector on the cylindrical upper surface. Two changing means (long holes) 524 can move the fixing member 523 in the X direction. The changing unit 527 determines the position of the fixing member 523 in the changing unit 524. Two changing means (long holes) 525 can move the fixing member 523 in the Y direction. The changing unit 528 determines the position of the fixing member 522 in the changing unit 525. In the four changing means 526, the fixing member 522 is movable in the Z direction. The changing means 529 determines the position of the fixing member 522 in the fixing member 523.

  That is, the connector fixing device 500 shown in FIG. 9 includes a guide member 21 in which a guide hole 21a into which the connector 11C is to be inserted is formed, and four fixing members connected to the guide member 21 so that the position can be changed. A fixing member 523 which is a support column and a fixing member 522 which is a connector bottom support member connected to the changing means 526 are provided. The guide member 21 is formed with changing means 524 and 525 which are four long holes so as to surround the guide hole 21a. The two changing means 524 are formed to face each other with the guide hole 21a interposed therebetween. The two changing means 525 are also formed to face each other with the guide hole 21a interposed therebetween. The line connecting the two changing units 524 and the line connecting the two changing units 525 are arranged so as to intersect (in FIG. 9, so as to be orthogonal).

  Fixing members 523 are respectively arranged below the changing means 524 and 525 which are long holes. On the upper surface of the fixing member 523, screw holes 530 into which changing means 527 and 528, which are screws, can be inserted and fixed are formed. The fixing member 523 is connected and fixed to the guide member 21 by inserting and fixing the changing means 527 and 528 into the screw holes 530 through the changing means 524 and 525 which are long holes. The position of the fixing member 523 relative to the guide member 21 can be arbitrarily changed within the range in which the changing means 524 and 525 that are elongated holes extend. Specifically, since the changing unit 524 extends in the X direction, the fixing member 523 positioned below the changing unit 524 can change the position with respect to the guide member 21 in the X direction. Further, since the changing means 525 extends in the Y direction, the fixing member 523 located below the changing means 525 can change the position with respect to the guide member 21 in the Y direction. For this reason, the position of the fixing member 523 can be determined so that the side surface of the fixing member 523 contacts the side surface of the connector 11C inserted from the guide hole 21a.

  Further, in order to be able to determine the relative position of the fixing member 522 to the fixing member 523 so as to contact the bottom surface of the connector 11C inserted into the guide hole 21a, the fixing member 522 is movable with respect to the fixing member 523. Is connected. The fixing member 522 can change a relative position with respect to the fixing member 523 in the Z direction (extending direction of the fixing member 523). A screw hole 532 is formed in the side wall of the fixing member 522. A changing means 529 as a screw is inserted into the screw hole 532. When the changing unit 529 presses the side surface of the fixing member 523, the fixing member 522 is connected and fixed to the changing unit 526.

  Next, a method for adjusting the connector fixing device 500 will be described. The connector 11C is disposed on the fixing member 522. The position of the fixing member 523 is determined by the changing means 527 via the changing means 524 in the X direction. The position of the fixing member 523 is determined by the changing unit 528 via the Y-direction changing unit 525. The changing means 529 determines the position of the fixing member 522 in the Z direction. The bottom surface of the connector 11C is fixed by the fixing member 522, and the side surface of the connector 11C is fixed by the fixing member 523.

  As described above, according to the connector fixing device 500 according to the second modified example, the connector 11C after the change can be obtained by changing the changing means in response to the change in the connector specifications, similarly to the connector fixing device 20. Can be easily fixed. Therefore, even if the specification of the connector 11C is changed, there is no need to change the connector fixing device 500 to a new device. Thus, cost can be reduced.

  In the connector fixing devices 20, 400, and 500, the fixing member is not particularly limited to the above configuration as long as it can hold the connector. For example, the connector may be configured to be gripped. This is because the above effect can be obtained if the connector can be gripped.

  Of the changing means, the member that can move (change the position of) the fixing member is not particularly limited to the above configuration as long as the fixing member can be moved (changed in position). Of the changing means, the member that determines (fixes) the position of the fixing member is not particularly limited to the above configuration as long as the position of the fixing member can be determined (fixed). That is, as for the member that determines (fixes) the position of the fixing member among the changing means, another positioning member may be used instead of the changing means that is a screw. For example, the changing means that allows the fixing member to move (position change) is made of a magnetic material such as iron, and the magnet as the changing means that determines (fixes) the position of the fixing member is on the magnetic material. The position of the fixing member may be fixed by the force that the magnet attracts to the magnetic body. In addition, for example, among the changing means, the changing means that can move (change the position of) the fixing member is configured with an uneven shape, and a member that determines (fixes) the position of the fixing member. The position of the fixing member may be fixed so that the elastic body is locked at the concavo-convex portion by arranging a certain changing means as the elastic body and having the concavo-convex shape.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing terminal insertion device 100 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the configuration of terminal insertion device 100 is basically the same as that of terminal insertion device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, but a device for notifying the location of terminal insertion into the connector and the terminals in the connector. The device for checking the presence or absence of insertion is different from the terminal insertion device 10 shown in FIG. In addition, the top view of the terminal insertion apparatus 100 is the same as that of FIG.

  A device 110 for notifying a terminal insertion location into a connector includes, for example, a laser pointer 111 and a rotary stage 112 with reference to FIG. The device 110 that notifies the terminal insertion location to the connector in the second embodiment is, for example, a laser pointer system.

  Next, the operation of the device 110 that notifies the terminal insertion location into the connector 11C will be described. First, the laser pointer is moved by the rotary stage 112 in accordance with a control signal from a control unit (not shown). Next, the terminal insertion location of the connector 11C is irradiated with laser light from the laser pointer 111 to teach the terminal insertion location. The operator can insert the terminal at the taught location. Thereby, the operation | work which notifies the terminal insertion location to the connector 11C can be performed.

  A device 120 for confirming a terminal insertion state in a connector includes, for example, a conduction probe 121 and a wiring 122 with reference to FIG. The device 120 for confirming the terminal insertion state in the connector in the second embodiment is, for example, a conduction confirmation method. Specifically, the conduction probe 121 is disposed on the bottom surface of the connector 11C. The wiring 122 is conducted to the connector 11C and the conduction probe 121.

  Next, operation | movement of the apparatus 120 which confirms the terminal insertion state in a connector is demonstrated. First, the connector 11 </ b> C is fixed by the connector fixing device 20. As a result, the connector 11C, the conduction probe 121, and the wiring 122 are electrically connected. After that, a current is supplied to the wiring 122 to check whether or not it is conductive. If it is conductive, it is considered that the connector 11C and the terminal are connected, so that it can be determined that the terminal is inserted into the connector 11C. On the other hand, when it does not conduct, it is considered that the connector 11C and the terminal are not connected, and therefore it can be determined that the terminal is not inserted into the connector 11C. Therefore, the insertion of the terminal is to be performed again.

  Next, the operation of the terminal insertion device 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal insertion device 100. The operation of assembling the terminal to the connector 11C in the terminal insertion device 100 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but the operation of notifying the insertion location of the terminal into the connector (steps S30 and S31) and the presence or absence of the terminal insertion are confirmed. The work to be performed (step S50) is different. Only different points will be described below.

  Referring to FIG. 11, for the work of notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector, as described above, the step of moving the laser pointer to the terminal insertion location (S30), the laser pointer irradiates the terminal insertion location of the connector. A teaching step (S31) is performed.

  Referring to FIG. 11, in the operation for confirming the presence / absence of terminal insertion, as described above, the step (S50) of determining whether or not to conduct by supplying current to the wiring is performed. If it is conductive, it is determined that the insertion position is correct, and YES is determined in step (S50). Then, the process (S60) of turning on an AE detection sensor is implemented. On the other hand, when it is not conductive, NO is determined in the step (S50). In this case, the step (S40) of manually inserting the terminal into the terminal insertion position of the connector again is repeated.

  As described above, according to the terminal insertion device according to the second embodiment, even if the specification of the connector 11C is changed, it is possible to cope without changing the member. Moreover, the operation | work which inserts a terminal in the terminal insertion location of the connector 11C can be performed efficiently. Further, erroneous insertion can be prevented. Furthermore, the insertion quality can be guaranteed.

(Reference Example 1)
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the terminal insertion device 200 in Reference Example 1. FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the configuration of terminal insertion device 200 is basically the same as that of terminal insertion device 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention, but the connector fixing device and the terminal insertion in connector 11C are as follows. The device for checking the depth of the terminal is different from the terminal insertion device 10 shown in FIG.

  First, the connector fixing device 210 will be described. The configuration of the connector fixing device 210 in Reference Example 1 basically includes the same configuration as that of the connector fixing device 20 in the first embodiment of the present invention, but the changing means is that the connector fixing device 20 is manual. The connector fixing device 210 is different in that it is NC control.

  The connector fixing device 210 includes fixing members 22 and 23 and changing means 220. The changing unit 220 can change the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 in three dimensions in the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, and performs 3-axis NC control. The changing unit 220 includes an X direction changing unit 221, a Y direction changing unit 222, and a Z direction changing unit 223. The X direction changing means 221 can change the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 in the X direction (depth direction in FIG. 13) according to the specifications of the connector 11C. The Y direction changing means 222 can change the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 in the Y direction (left and right in FIG. 13) according to the specifications of the connector. The Z direction changing means 223 can change the positions of the fixing members 22 and 23 in the Z direction (vertical direction in FIG. 13) according to the specifications of the connector.

  The method for adjusting connector fixing device 210 is basically the same as that of connector fixing device 20 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated. The only difference is that the changing means 220 is changed (moved) by NC control.

  Next, an apparatus for confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C will be described. The device 230 for checking the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C in Reference Example 1 includes a limit switch and a spring. The device 230 for confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C in Reference Example 1 is, for example, a wire pull confirmation method.

  The operation of the device 230 for checking the depth of terminal insertion in the connector will be described. The terminal having the electric wire is inserted and fixed to the connector 11C fixed by the connector fixing device 210 as described above. Turn on the limit switch and pull the wire of the terminal inserted into the connector 11C manually. At that time, with the movement of the terminal, the spring of the device 230 for confirming the terminal insertion depth in the connector is displaced. An appropriate range in the amount of spring displacement is determined by the depth of terminal insertion. Therefore, the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C can be confirmed by the amount of displacement of the spring. Note that when an excessive force is applied such as pulling the spring too much, the power of the terminal insertion device 200 is automatically turned off by the limit switch.

  Next, the operation of the terminal insertion device 200 according to Reference Example 1 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal insertion device 200. The operation of assembling the terminals to the connector 11C in the terminal insertion device 200 is basically the same as that in the first embodiment, but is different in the operation of confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C (steps S60 and S61). Only different points will be described below.

  Referring to FIG. 14, in the operation of confirming the depth of terminal insertion in connector 11C, as described above, the step of manually pulling the electric wire of the terminal inserted into the connector (S60) is performed. Next, the limit switch is turned on to perform a step (S61) of determining whether or not the spring displacement is an appropriate amount withstanding the pulling force of the terminal in the connector. If the displacement of the spring is within an appropriate range, YES is determined in step (S61). Then, a step (S70) of starting the next operation by the limit switch is performed. On the other hand, if the amount of displacement of the spring is not within an appropriate range, NO is determined in step (S61). In this case, the step of manually inserting the terminal into the terminal insertion place of the connector (S40) is repeated again.

  As described above, according to the terminal insertion device according to the reference example 1, even if the specification of the connector 11C is changed, it is possible to cope without changing the connector fixing device 200. Moreover, the operation | work which inserts a terminal in the terminal insertion location of the connector 11C can be performed efficiently. Further, erroneous insertion can be prevented. Furthermore, the insertion quality can be guaranteed.

(Reference Example 2)
FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the terminal insertion device 300 in Reference Example 2. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the configuration of terminal insertion device 300 is basically the same as that of terminal insertion device 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention. The device for confirming the presence / absence of insertion and the device for confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C are different from the terminal insertion device 10 shown in FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the device for notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector is the same as device 110 for notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector in the second embodiment. The device for checking the presence / absence of terminal insertion is the same as device 120 for checking the presence / absence of terminal insertion in the second embodiment. The device for confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C is the same as the device 230 for confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C in Reference Example 1. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the other embodiments of the present invention can be obtained.

  Next, the operation of the terminal insertion device 300 according to the reference example 2 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal insertion device 300. The operation of assembling the terminal to the connector 11C in the terminal insertion device 300 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but the operation of notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector 11C (steps S30 and S31) The operation to be performed (step S50) and the operation to confirm the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C (steps S60 and S61) are different. Only different points will be described below.

  The work of notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector 11C is the same as the work of notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector in the second embodiment. Therefore, since the steps (S30 and S31) are the same as the steps (S30 and S31) in FIG. 11, the description thereof will not be repeated.

  The operation for confirming whether or not the terminal is inserted is the same as the apparatus operation for confirming whether or not the terminal is inserted in the second embodiment. Therefore, since step (S50) is the same as step (S50) in FIG. 11, the description thereof will not be repeated.

  The operation of confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C is the same as the operation of confirming the depth of terminal insertion in the connector 11C in Reference Example 1. Therefore, since the process (S60 and S61) is the same as the process (S60 and S61) in FIG. 14, the description thereof will not be repeated.

  As described above, according to the terminal insertion device according to the reference example 2, even if the connector specification is changed, the connector fixing device 300 can be dealt with without newly preparing. Moreover, the operation | work which inserts a terminal manually in the terminal insertion place of the connector 11C can be performed efficiently. Further, erroneous insertion can be prevented. Furthermore, the insertion quality can be guaranteed.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is a top view which shows the terminal insertion apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing in line segment II-II in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a region A in FIG. 2, (A) is an exploded view of the connector fixing device, and (B) is a diagram incorporating the connector fixing device. It is a figure which shows the sound wave spectrum at the time of the latching which generate | occur | produces when inserting a terminal in the connector 11C. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the terminal insertion apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a top view of the terminal insertion apparatus which shows the modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a side view of the terminal insertion apparatus which shows another modification of Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view of the connector fixing device which shows the 1st modification of the connector fixing device in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a perspective view of the connector fixing device which shows the 2nd modification of the connector fixing device in Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the terminal insertion apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the terminal insertion apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a top view which shows the terminal insertion apparatus in the reference example 1. FIG. It is sectional drawing in line segment XIII-XIII in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the terminal insertion apparatus in the reference example 1. It is a top view which shows the terminal insertion apparatus in the reference example 2. It is sectional drawing in line segment XVI-XVI in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal insertion device in Reference Example 2.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Terminal insertion apparatus, 11 Connector, 12 Laser oscillation apparatus, 13 Reflecting plate, 14 Damping material, 15 AE detection sensor, 16 Output optical axis, 20,210,400,500 Connector fixing apparatus, 21 Guide member, 21a Guide hole, 22, 23, 422 to 424, 522, 523 fixing member, 24 to 28, 220, 426 to 429, 524, 525, 527 to 529 changing means, 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b oblong hole, 29 recess, 30 base plate , 31 support member, 32 opening portion, 33 contact portion, 40, 50, 60, 100, 200, 300 terminal insertion device, 110 device for notifying the terminal insertion location to the connector, 111 laser pointer, 112 rotary stage, 120 in the connector For checking whether or not a terminal is inserted, 121 continuity probe, 122 arrangement , 221 X-direction changing unit, 222 Y-direction changing unit, 223 Z-direction changing unit, a device for confirming the terminal insertion depth within 230 connector.

Claims (7)

An AE detection sensor;
The terminal insertion apparatus provided with the connector fixing device connected with the said AE detection sensor so that AE can be propagated. A base member on which the connector fixing device is mounted;
The terminal insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the AE detection sensor is installed on the base member.   The terminal insertion device according to claim 1, further comprising a device for confirming presence / absence of terminal insertion in the connector. A device for confirming the presence or absence of terminal insertion in the connector,
A laser oscillation device;
A reflecting plate that reflects the laser light emitted from the laser oscillation device in a state in which at least a part of the optical characteristics of the laser light is changed;
Including a member for detecting the presence or absence of a change in the optical characteristics of the laser beam,
The terminal insertion device according to claim 3, wherein the reflecting plate is disposed at a position facing the laser oscillation device via the connector fixing device. Installing the connector on the connector fixing device;
Inserting a terminal into the connector;
And a step of detecting insertion of the terminal by an AE detection sensor connected to the connector fixing device and AE so as to be able to propagate.   The terminal insertion method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of detecting presence / absence of terminal insertion in the connector. A laser oscillation device and a reflector that reflects the laser light emitted from the laser oscillation device in a state where at least a part of the optical characteristics of the laser light is changed are arranged at positions facing each other via the connector fixing device. And
The step of checking the presence or absence of terminal insertion in the connector,
Irradiating a laser beam from the laser oscillation device to the reflection plate through a terminal insertion place of the connector fixed to the connector fixing device;
Detecting a change in the optical characteristics of the laser light reflected by the reflector;
The terminal insertion method of Claim 6 including the process of confirming whether the said terminal is inserted in the said terminal insertion place by the presence or absence of the change of the said optical characteristic.

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