JP3128217B2 - Harness manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention automatically inspects a connection portion of a harness formed by connecting the ends of a plurality of electric wires to a connector, and distinguishes good / bad. The present invention relates to a harness manufacturing device provided with a harness connection portion inspection device that can be used. 2. Description of the Related Art Harnesses in which the ends of a plurality of electric wires are connected to a single connector are used for various purposes, and various proposals have been made for an apparatus for automatically manufacturing the harness. ing. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 197708/1982 discloses a method of loading a connector block in which a plurality of wires are arranged in a plane along a wire feed path extending through a wire cutting section, and the ends of the wires are inserted into the connector block. A plurality of wires of different lengths, comprising: a reciprocating shuttle that passes over the wire section and then retreats along the wire transmission path; and wire feeding means for selectively feeding out the plurality of wires after the shuttle retreats. Is disclosed. [0003] If such a device is used, it is possible to mass-produce the harness. However, in this case, it is difficult to guarantee that all the harnesses are good products. May be incomplete. It would be enormous in both time and cost to confirm such defective products one by one.
A harness manufacturing apparatus provided with an apparatus capable of automatically inspecting this is desired. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] In view of such circumstances, the present invention is intended to automatically and quickly inspect a connection portion between a connector and an electric wire in a harness and automatically determine whether the harness is good or bad. It is an object of the present invention to provide a harness manufacturing apparatus having a device capable of performing the above. According to the present invention, an insulated wire and a connector are sequentially supplied to continuously manufacture a harness in which an electric terminal of the connector is connected to at least one end of the insulated wire.
In a harness manufacturing device that discharges the harness along a guide rail extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a supply direction of the insulated wire, the connector is directly guided by the guide rail after the electric terminals are connected, and is discharged in a discharge direction. It is moved and is inspected by a check member that engages with the electric terminal from at least a side opposite to a side where the insulated wire extends while being positioned in the guide rail at a position on the way of discharging away from the electric terminal connection position. It is characterized by that. [0006] Preferably, the guide rail has a groove for receiving the connector to guide the connector. [0007] Preferably, the connector is positioned so as to be surrounded by the guide rail at least near the inspection position. Preferably, at least a part of the connector is surrounded by the guide rail at least in the vicinity of the inspection position, at least on each of the side on which the insulated wire extends and the side on which the check member engages. Preferably, the check member is slidable in a substantially horizontal direction so as to be able to engage with an engagement portion of the electric terminal in the connector placed in the groove. An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a harness manufacturing apparatus provided with a harness connection portion inspection apparatus or an automatic inspection apparatus according to the present invention. According to this production apparatus, a harness having connectors at both ends of a plurality of electric wires is used. It can be manufactured automatically, and after the manufacturing, the harness connection portion can be automatically inspected for good or bad. [0012] As shown in FIG.
On the base 50, the wire feeding means 10, the first wire processing unit 20, the second
The electric wire processing unit 30, the shuttle 40 for guiding the end of the electric wire sent from the electric wire feeding means 10 to the first electric wire processing unit 20, and the connector housing boxes 51a and 51b for housing connectors connected to both ends of the electric wire.
The guide rails 52a and 52b for sending out the connectors in the connector housing boxes 51a and 51b, the feed rollers 41a and 41b for sending out the wires connected to the connectors by a required length, and the connectors sent on the guide rails 52a and 52b. The first wire processing unit 20 and the second wire processing unit 30 are provided with a pair of harness connection automatic inspection devices 60, 60 for inspecting a connection portion of a harness in which both ends of the wire are connected. First, the manufacture of the harness will be described.
The connector has a plurality of electric terminals 1 shown in FIG. 2 arranged in parallel. A harness is formed by pressing an end of an electric wire to each of the electric terminals 1. The electric terminal 1 includes an engaging portion 1d which engages with a mating terminal when the connector is used, an electric wire receiving portion 1a into which the electric wire is press-fitted, and a clip portion 1c which keeps the press-fitted electric wire from coming off. Part 1a
Are provided with slots 1b for electrical connection on both sides. To connect an electric wire to this connector 2,
Lower dies 2a and 2b for receiving connectors 2 as shown in FIG.
(This will be a part of the connector). Place the electric terminal 1 on the top and press the end of the electric wire 4 from above onto the electric wire receiving portion 1a and the clip portion 1c by the rams 3a, 3b in the direction perpendicular to the electric wire center axis. I do. Thereby, the electric wire 4 is connected to the electric wire receiving portion 1a.
At the same time, in the slot 1b, as shown in FIG. 4, the insulating coating 4a is torn and the core wire 4b is inserted into the slot 1b.
The electrical connection is made by being directly in contact with and sandwiched by the metal of b. The clip portion 1c is wound around and holds the electric wire 4, and the electric terminal 1 and the electric wire 4 are connected as shown in FIG. The wire harness is formed by connecting a plurality of electric wires to a connector in which a plurality of the electric terminals 1 are arranged in parallel. In the apparatus of FIG. 1, a plurality of the electric terminals 1 are provided at both ends of each of the plurality of electric wires. A harness in which connectors are simultaneously connected and a plurality of wires of a predetermined length are connected between a pair of connectors can be automatically manufactured. FIGS. 6A to 6F show this harness manufacturing process.
This will be described with reference to FIG. These sequentially illustrate one operation step in which one harness is manufactured. FIG. 6A shows a state at the start of one operation step, in which the shuttle 40 is in the second electric wire processing unit 30, that is, in the retracted position, and the pair of feed rollers 41a and 41b are in positions separated from each other. Also, the first and second electric wire processing units 20, 30
The rams 21 and 31 which move up and down inside are located at the top dead center position, and the connectors 2 and 2 'sent from the connector housing box are respectively positioned on the guide rails 52a and 52b below each ram. An electric wire feeding means 10 includes a capstan 11, a guide roller 12, and a guide roller 11 for pulling the electric wire 4 from an electric wire source (not shown).
An electric wire measuring roller 14 and an idler roller 15 for feeding the electric wire clamp 13 and the electric wire 4 by a predetermined length in the axial direction are provided. At least one turn of the electric wire is wound around the capstan 11. Although the capstan 11 is constantly rotating, the electric wire 4 is not pulled from the electric wire source unless the electric wire 4 downstream of the capstan is pulled and a load is applied to the capstan. In FIG. 6A, the length measuring roller 14 is separated from the electric wire and the shuttle 40 for holding the electric wire.
Also, the capstan 11 is not performing the wire pulling operation because it is still. FIG. 6B shows that the shuttle 40 is moved from the second electric wire processing unit 30 to the first electric wire processing unit 20 by the operation of the shuttle driving device, and the electric wire 4 is passed over the connector 2, and then the press ram 21 is lowered and each electric wire is moved. Of the connector is inserted into each of the electrical terminals 1 of the connector. When the shuttle 40 moves from the position shown in FIG. 6A to the position shown in FIG. 6B, that is, the position of the first electric wire processing unit, the electric wire downstream of the capstan is pulled and a load is applied to the capstan 11, so that the capstan 11 The wire is sent from the wire source to the downstream of the capstan by the amount of movement. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the shuttle 40 is returned to its original position, that is, the second position, along an electric wire whose tip is connected to the connector 2 of the first electric wire processing unit 20 and extends between the first electric wire processing unit 20 and the capstan 11 while being tensioned. The wire is retracted to the wire processing unit 30, and thereafter, the length measuring roller 14, the play roller 15, and the feed roller 41a,
Reference numeral 41b indicates a position where the wires 4 approach each other to clamp the electric wires 4 between the rollers. Measurement roller 14 and play roller 15
Are arranged one for each electric wire 4, and each length measuring roller 14 is controlled by a control means. At this position, the press ram 21 of the first electric wire processing unit 20 is kept down, and the electric wire connected to the connector 2 is pressed into the terminal by the pushing blade of the press ram 21. The press ram 21 maintains this position until the rear end of the wire is connected to the connector in the second wire processing section 30. In the position shown in FIG. 6D, each length measuring roller 14 is operated by the control means, and each electric wire is fed in a predetermined long axis direction, and at the same time, feed rollers 41a and 41b are operated, and each electric wire is connected to the first and second electric wires. It is sent out in a loop between the wire processing units. Each of the feed rollers 41a and 41b continues to rotate while each of the length measuring rollers 14 and the play rollers 15 is feeding each wire 4 by a predetermined length, and constantly applies tension to the wires 4 fed from the length measuring roller 14 and the play rollers 15. Act like so. The length measuring roller 14 and the play roller 15 stop rotating when a predetermined length of electric wire is fed out. As a result, the feed rollers 41a and 41b also stop rotating under the load of the electric wire. When the length measuring roller 14 and the play roller 15 draw out an electric wire of a predetermined length and the rotation is stopped, as shown in FIG. 6E, the electric wire clamp 13 abuts on the guide roller 12 to firmly fix the electric wire. . After this, the measuring roller
14 is separated from the electric wire and returns to the original position. Next, the press ram 31 of the second electric wire processing unit 30 descends, and the shuttle 40 and the roller
Each wire 4 held between 41a and 41b is
Is inserted and connected into each terminal of the connector 2 'prepared immediately below the wire, and at the same time, the electric wire is cut off by the cutting blade. When the rear end of the electric wire is connected to the connector in the second electric wire processing unit 30, as shown in FIG.
And 31 are respectively raised and returned to the original positions, at the same time the feed rollers 41a and 41b are separated from each other, and the wire clamp 13 is also returned. The harness manufactured as described above is sent to the harness connection automatic inspection devices 60, 60 such that the connectors 2, 2 'are along the guide rails 52a, 52b. Since the pair of inspection devices 60 have exactly the same structure, only one of them will be described. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inspection device 60, which is fixed to the guide rail 52b as can be seen from FIG. This inspection device 60 is a mechanical connection inspection device 70 constituting the upper half.
And the electrical connection inspection device 100 that forms the lower half. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the mechanical connection inspection device 70, and FIG. 9 is a side view of the inspection device 70 viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow A. Hereinafter, this apparatus will be described with reference to both figures. This device mounts frames 71b, 71b on a fixed plate 71a.
Are fixed, and the cylinder 72 is fixed to the frames 71b, 71b. Further, a pin holding plate 82 is rotatably attached to the frames 71b, 71b via a rotating shaft 81. A plurality of press-fit portion check pins 85 and crimp portion check pins 86, which constitute a check member together with a check contact described later, are held at the tip end portion 84 of the pin holding plate 82 so as to be slidable up and down. The rear end arm 87 extending obliquely upward is provided with a frame 71b,
It is in contact with the plunger 73 of the cylinder 72 fixed to 71b. The plurality of check pins 85 and 86 are connected to the harness connector 2 and the electric wire 4 sent on the guide rail 52b.
Above a plurality of connecting portions, and are located opposite to this by a predetermined distance. Specifically, the press-fit portion checking pin 85 faces the wire end received in the wire receiving portion 1a of the electric terminal 1, the crimp portion checking pin 86 faces the portion held by the crimp portion 1c, These check pins
A plurality of 85 and 86 are arranged in the same direction as the arrangement of the electric terminals 1 so as to be able to face all the electric terminals 1 of the connector. Then, when the plunger 73 of the cylinder 72 is operated and the rear end arm 87 is pushed, the pin holding plate 82 rotates about the rotation shaft 81 in the direction shown by the arrow B in FIG. Moved down a distance. At this time, the descending amount of the tip 84 is set to be equal to the distance between the check pins 85 and 86 and the wire end or crimp portion (connection portion) 1c facing the check pins 85 and 86. If the crimp portion 1c is completely pressed into the (connection portion) 1a and the crimp portion 1c is completely wound around the electric wire, the relative movement between the tip portion 84 of the pin holding plate 82 and the check pins 85 and 86 does not occur. However, when the press-fitting and winding are incomplete and project upward, the check pin corresponding to the incomplete portion comes into contact with this portion and is pushed upward with respect to the distal end portion 84. . On the other hand, on the pin holding plate 82, a rotating shaft
A detection plate 91 is attached via 93. The detection plate 91 is rotatable around 93, and the lower surface of the front end 92 contacts the upper ends of the check pins 85 and 86, and the rear end 95
The lower surface of the operation plate 94 fixed to the holding plate 82 is in contact with the terminal of the limit switch 83 fixed on the holding plate 82. For this reason, the rear end 87 of the pin holding plate 82 is
When it is pushed by the plunger 73 of 72 and rotates in the direction of arrow B,
If there is any imperfection in the press-fitting of the electric wires into the receiving portions 1a of the plurality of electric terminals 1 of the connector 2 or the winding of the crimping portion 1c, this imperfect portion of the check pins 85 and 86 Is pushed upward with respect to the front end 84 of the pin holding plate 82, so that the front end 92 of the detection plate 91 which contacts the upper ends of the check pins 85 and 86 is also pushed upward. For this reason, the detection plate 91 rotates around the rotation shaft 93, and the operation plate 94 pushes the terminal of the limit switch 83 to activate it. By the operation of the limit switch 83, a defect in the connection portion of the connector can be detected, and accordingly, the operation of the manufacturing apparatus is stopped or a signal indicating the defect is sent. Next, the electrical connection inspection device 100 will be described. FIG. 10 is a side view showing the device 100, viewed from the same direction as FIG. This inspection device 100 has a body 101
Is joined to the lower surface of the fixed plate 71a of the mechanical connection inspection device 70, and the body 101 is
It is fixed to the bolt 52b by the bolt 102. Further, a cylinder 103 is fixed to the body 101, and the cylinder 103
The plunger 104 is connected on the body 101 to a contact holding plate 105 slidable in the direction of arrow C in the figure, and the plunger 104 can move the contact holding plate 105 in the direction of arrow C. Contact holding plate
105 is opposed to the engaging portion 1d of each electric terminal 1 of the connector 2 sent on the guide rail 52b, and when the contact holding plate 105 is moved in the direction of arrow C, the contact A plurality of check contacts 106 which enter and engage with the check pins 85 and 86 to constitute a check member are arranged. As shown in FIG. 1, two harness connection portion automatic inspection devices 60 are provided,
The connectors 2, 2 'at both ends of the electric wire constituting the harness are simultaneously inspected. Electrical connection inspection device 100
For this reason, there are also two units, and the check contacts 106 of the respective inspection devices 100 are respectively engaged with the engagement portions 1d of the respective electric terminals 1 of the connectors 2 and 2 '. An electric current is applied between the electric terminals connected by the electric wires 4 to detect whether or not the electric current is applied. If at least one of the harnesses is not energized, the harness is regarded as defective, and the operation of the manufacturing apparatus is stopped or a warning signal is sent. It should be noted that when the connectors 2, 2 'are inspected, they are placed in the grooves 55 of the guide rails 52a, 52b. As can be understood from the above description,
The connectors 2 and 2 'are mechanically and electrically inspected by the check pins 85 and 86 and the check contacts 106 of the inspection device 60 at a position on the way of discharge in the guide rails 52a and 52b. This allows the harness to be manufactured very efficiently. In particular, this point can be understood from FIGS. According to FIG. 9, in the vicinity of the inspection position, the connectors 2 and 2 'have one surface 7b on the wire extension side in addition to the bottom surface 7a.
And at least a part of the opposing side surface 7c. Therefore, it is understood that the connectors 2, 2 'can be accurately positioned at predetermined positions in the inspection position. As described above, it is possible to detect a defective connection portion of the harness. If no abnormalities are found after the above inspection, the cylinders 72 and 103 are operated to check the pins.
The 85, 86 and the check contact 106 are returned to their original positions, the inspected harness is sent out along the guide rails 52a, 52b, and the uninspected harness is accepted, and the next inspection is performed. According to the harness manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, the connector faces at least the side on which the insulated wire extends while being positioned in the guide rail at a position on the way of discharging away from the electrical terminal connection position. Since the inspection is performed by a check member that engages with the electric terminal from the side to be connected, the structure is relatively simple, so that manufacturing and assembling are easy, error operations are reduced, and the harness manufacturing efficiency is extremely good. Becomes

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a harness manufacturing apparatus provided with an automatic harness connection inspection apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows an example of an electric terminal held in a connector of the harness. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an operation of pressing an electric wire to an electric terminal. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a slot portion when the electric wire is pressed to an electric terminal. FIG. 5 is an electric wire pressed to an electric terminal. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram showing a manufacturing process by a harness manufacturing device sequentially. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing a manufacturing process by a harness manufacturing device sequentially. FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram showing a harness manufacturing device. FIG. 6D is a schematic diagram that sequentially shows the manufacturing process by the harness manufacturing device. FIG. 6E is a schematic diagram that sequentially shows the manufacturing process by the harness manufacturing device. Manufacturing using harness manufacturing equipment FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an automatic inspection device for a harness connection part of a harness manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an automatic inspection apparatus for a harness connection part of a harness manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a mechanical connection inspection device. FIG. 9 is a side view of the mechanical connection inspection device viewed from the direction of arrow A in FIG. 8. FIG. Side view showing an electrical connection inspection device to be used [Explanation of reference numerals] 1 Electrical terminal 2, 2 'connector 4 Insulated wires 52a, 52b Guide rail 106 Checking member (checking contact)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B23P 19/04 G01R 31/02-31/04 H01B 13/00 H01R 43/00 H01R 43/04-43 / 058 H02G 1/12

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An insulated wire and a connector are sequentially supplied to manufacture a harness in which an electric terminal of the connector is connected to at least one end of the insulated wire continuously, and along a guide rail extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to a supply direction of the insulated wire. In the harness manufacturing apparatus for discharging the harness, the connector is directly guided by the guide rail after the connection of the electric terminal and is moved in the discharge direction, and the guide rail is at a discharge halfway position away from the electric terminal connection position. A harness manufacturing apparatus characterized by being inspected by a check member engaging with the electric terminal from at least a side opposite to a side where the insulated wire extends in a state where the insulated wire is located inside.