JP6703011B2 - Connector attaching/detaching device and connector attaching/detaching method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a connector attaching/detaching device and a connector attaching/detaching method, and more particularly to a device and a method for attaching/detaching two connectors that can be fitted and connected.

Cables and connectors used in a special environment, for example, a radiation environment of a nuclear facility, etc., need to be replaced regularly because their insulating material deteriorates when exposed to radiation. It is desirable to perform the replacement work under such a radiation environment by remote control using a robot such as a manipulator in order to avoid radiation exposure of workers.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 60-146481 discloses a device capable of attaching and detaching a cable by remote control. This device is, as disclosed in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the publication (reference numerals in parentheses indicate reference numerals in the embodiments of the publication), and a main body plate (1) installed horizontally. The power supply side insertion guide (2) is fixed to the first end side of the. Recesses (3, 4) are formed in the power supply side insertion guide (2). The power source side connectors (7, 8) attached to the attachment/detachment plates (5 and 6) are mounted in the recesses (3, 4) from above. That is, the handles (9, 10) are attached to the upper end portions of the attachment/detachment plates (5, 6), and the connector (5, 6) is moved up and down via the handles (9, 10). It is possible to attach and detach the recesses (3, 4) of (7, 8). An electric motor side insertion guide (11) is installed so as to be detachable from the power supply insertion guide (2). The electric motor side insertion guide (11) is provided with recesses (17, 18) at positions corresponding to the recesses (3, 4) of the power supply side insertion guide (2). Motor-side connectors (21, 22) attached to the attachment/detachment plates (19, 20) are mounted in the recesses (17, 18) from above. That is, similarly to the case of the power supply side connectors (7, 8), the grips (23, 24) are attached to the upper end portions of the detachable plates (19, 20), and the detachable plates (23, 24) are attached via these handles (23, 24). By vertically moving (19, 20), the electric power side connectors (21, 22) can be attached to and detached from the recesses (17, 18).

In order to remove the power source side connectors (7, 8) and the electric motor side connectors (21, 22) by using the device configured as described above, the attachment/detachment operation lever (14) is rotated in the first direction to move the electric motor. The side insertion guide (11) is moved along the guide rod (15) in a direction away from the power supply side insertion guide (2). Then, when the electric motor fails and needs to be replaced, the attachment/detachment plate (19, 20) is lifted through the handles (23, 24) to move the electric motor side connector (21, 22) from the electric motor side insertion guide (11). Let go. To connect the power supply side connectors (7, 8) and the electric motor side connectors (21, 22), insert each connector into the power supply side insertion guide (2) and the electric motor side insertion guide (11), and attach and detach in this state. The lever (14) is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the electric motor side insertion guide (11) is moved along the guide rod (15) toward the power supply side insertion guide (2). Let

JP-A-60-146481

However, the device described in the above document has a structure in which the attachment/detachment plate (5, 6, 19, 20) is loosely fitted in the recess (3, 4, 17, 18) of the insertion guide (2, 11) to be mounted. Therefore, the attachment/detachment plate (5, 6, 19, 20) may rattle in the insertion guide (2, 11), and it may not be possible to accurately connect the connectors.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the related art, allows the connector to be easily attached to and detached from the device, and moreover, the connector can be held without rattling and the connectors can be accurately connected to each other. An object of the present invention is to provide a connector attaching/detaching device and an attaching/detaching method.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a connector attaching/detaching device of the present invention is a connector attaching/detaching device for connecting and disconnecting a mutually removable first connector and second connector. A first holder holding the first connector, a second holder arranged to face the first holder and holding the second connector, a first connector and a second connector Moving means for moving at least one of the first holder and the second holder so as to connect and disconnect by changing the relative position of the first holder and the second holder, and at least the first holder is on the side of the first connector. Is arranged so as to be openable and closable toward one side, and in the opened state, the first connector can be introduced from the side facing the second holder, and in the closed state, it engages with at least the side surface of the first connector. It has a pair of clamps.

In the connector attaching/detaching device of the present invention, the first holder rotatably supports the pair of clamps about the distal end side of the pair of clamps with respect to the second holder. And a back plate for rotating the clamp, and at the distal end of each clamp, a protrusion that abuts on the first connector and rotates the clamp in the closing direction when the first connector is introduced. Is preferred.

Further, in the connector attaching/detaching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the back plate has a guide portion that guides the introduction of the first connector.

Further, in the connector attaching/detaching device of the present invention, the first holder is arranged on the back side of the back plate, and in the linear direction extending in the relative movement direction of the first holder and the second holder. It is preferable to have a slide plate slidably supported on the back plate along the slide plate.

Further, in the connector attaching/detaching device of the present invention, the slide plate locks the closed state by contacting the side surfaces of the pair of clamps in the closed state when the slide plate is slid in the direction away from the second holder. It is preferable to have a pair of locks.

Further, in the connector attaching/detaching device of the present invention, when the slide plate is slid in the direction approaching the second holder, the pair of clamp projections press the second holder side to open the clamp. It is preferable to have a pair of pressing portions that rotate in the directions.

In addition, in the connector attaching/detaching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the pair of clamps have a front wall that engages with the front surface of the first connector.

A connector attaching/detaching method of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a connector attaching/detaching method of connecting and disconnecting the first and second connectors by using the connector attaching/detaching device. Introducing the first connector from the side facing the second holder between the pair of clamps in the open state, and closing the pair of clamps, and disposing the clamp on at least a side surface of the first connector. By attaching the first connector to the first holder by engaging them, and activating the moving means to change the relative position of the first holder and the second holder in the proximity direction, And a step of fitting and connecting the connector and the second connector.

In the connector attaching/detaching method of the present invention, the moving means is actuated to change the relative position of the first holder and the second holder in the separating direction, so that the first connector and the second connector are separated from each other. It is preferable to release the fitting and remove.

According to the present invention, since the clamp that engages with the side surface of the first connector is provided and the clamp is configured to be opened and closed laterally, it is easy to attach and detach the first connector to and from the first holder. Since the first connector can be held without rattling because it engages with the side surface of the first connector when the clamp is closed, the first connector and the second connector can be retained. Can be accurately connected.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a connector attaching/detaching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a fitting structure of a fixed-side connector and a moving-side connector, which are attached and detached using the connector attaching/detaching device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the moving side connector of FIG. 2 having a shutter at the fitting port. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed-side connector for explaining the positional relationship between the first holding member and the first case member of the fixed-side connector shown in FIG. 2 and the floating structure of the first holding member. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the connector attaching/detaching device of FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion A in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the locking portion of the moving side connector slides in the guide groove of the back plate in an engaged state until the moving side connector is mounted on the back plate. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation procedure until the movable connector is attached to the movable holder. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation procedure until the mounted moving side connector is detached from the movable holder. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a layout in which the connector attaching/detaching device is operated by remote control using a manipulator in a special environment to attach/detach the moving side connector to/from the fixed side connector. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the connector attaching/detaching device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the moving side connector and the fixed side connector in a fitted and connected state. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the connector attaching/detaching device shown in FIG. 11, showing the movable side connector and the fixed side connector in a mating connection released state.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A connector attaching/detaching device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a connector attaching/detaching device for connecting and disconnecting two detachable connectors 20, 40 to each other, and in a special environment, for example, a nuclear reactor such as a nuclear power plant is arranged. Under the controlled radiation environment, the connector 20 and the connector 40 can be attached/detached to/from each other even by remote control using a manipulator (robot).

<Connector>
In the illustrated example, one connector 20 of the two connectors 20 and 40 is a fixed-side connector 20 that is fixedly fixed in the connector attaching/detaching device 1, and the other connector 40 is fixed-side connector in the connector attaching/detaching device 1. A moving side connector 40 attached so as to be able to move toward and away from 20. In addition, in this embodiment, the moving-side connector 40 corresponds to the "first connector" in the present invention, and the fixed-side connector 20 corresponds to the "second connector" in the present invention. An example will be described in which the moving side connector 40 is attached to or detached from the connector attaching/detaching device 1 using a robot such as a manipulator, but the configuration may be reversed.

The fixed side connector 20 as the second connector is mainly composed of a plurality of first signal transmitting members 22, a first holding member 24, a first case member 26, and a first positioning means 28, and The moving-side connector 40 is mainly composed of a plurality of second signal transmission members 42, a second holding member 44, a second case member 46, and a second positioning means 48. Further, the fixed-side connector 20 is located at a position where the insulation coating of the cable to which the fixed-side connector 20 is connected is unlikely to deteriorate under a special environment (radiation environment), for example, in the building where the reactor is installed and from the reactor. The cable fixed to a position such as a distant wall, ceiling, or floor, and connected to the fixed-side connector 40 is connected to a wiring located outside the room, or is shielded with lead or the like inside the room. It is connected to the wiring located in the enclosed place (space).

The moving-side connector 40 as the first connector is a connector connected to one end of a cable connected to a plurality of sensors and the like for performing various measurements related to a nuclear reactor and the like, and includes a sensor, a cable, and a moving-side connector. A sensor unit including 40 is configured (see FIG. 10). Further, since the moving side connector 40 is used at a position relatively close to a nuclear reactor or the like having a high radiation dose, the cable to which the moving side connector 40 is connected is easily deteriorated. It is necessary to replace the sensor unit as a whole, taking into account cable deterioration, at a relatively early stage. As a method of exchanging the entire sensor unit, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the movable side connector 40 is separated from the fixed side connector 20 by remote operation using a manipulator, and then the manipulator holds the movable side connector 40, While dragging the entire sensor unit as it is, convey it to the manipulator to a shielded space (Box) prepared in advance inside the reactor building or to a sensor unit replacement place provided in a place away from the reactor, and then release the grip of the manipulator. The used sensor unit is placed in a shielded space or a sensor unit replacement place, and then the manipulator is caused to grip the protruding grip portion 54 of the moving side connector 40 that constitutes the new sensor unit, and the moving side connector 40 is lifted. It is desirable to replace the entire sensor unit by a method of transporting the connector to the movable holder 80 of the connector attaching/detaching device 1 while dragging in the state and attaching the moving side connector 40 to the movable holder 80.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the fixed-side connector 20 is configured as a plug optical connector in which a plurality of first signal transmission members 22 having a total of 20 cores in 4 rows×5 rows are arranged in an exposed state. The moving-side connector 40 has a plurality of second signal transmitting members 42 arranged at positions corresponding to the first signal transmitting members 22 of the fixed side connector 20, and each second signal transmitting member 42 is a tubular member. The case where it is configured as a receptacle optical connector that exists in a covered state is shown. In the present invention, the fixed connector 20 may be configured as a receptacle optical connector and the movable connector 40 may be configured as a plug optical connector.

The first signal transmission member 22 of the fixed-side connector 20 is mainly composed of an optical fiber (not shown) and a ceramic ferrule in which the optical fiber is inserted and fixed, and the moving-side connector 40 is attached to the tip of the ferrule. It has a first contact portion 22a that comes into contact with the second signal transmission member 42.

The first holding member 24 is provided to hold the plurality of first signal transmission members 22 in a predetermined arrangement state, and can be configured as a block made of metal, for example.

The first case member 26 surrounds at least the periphery of the first holding member 24, and is a metal shell that is fitted and connected to the second case member 46 of the moving side connector 40 when the connectors 20 and 40 are fitted and connected. As shown in FIG. 4, the first holding member 24 is elastically connected to the first holding member 24 via a first elastic member 32 such as a spring member, and is held by the first signal transmitting member 22. The first holding member 24 that is provided can adopt a so-called floating structure in which the first holding member 24 swings in, for example, the double arrow direction F in the internal space of the first case member 26, whereby the fitting of both connectors 20, 40 is performed. At the time of mating, the first contact portion 22a of the first signal transmission member 22 can be accurately positioned and contacted with the second signal transmission member 42 of the moving-side connector 40 without being damaged. It should be noted that the floating structure of the first holding member 24 is such that, in FIG. 4, a pair of spring members 32 are arranged only on the narrow surfaces on both sides of the first holding member 24 so as to approach both side walls of the first case member 26. Although the spring member 32 is configured to swing only in the separating direction (the double arrow direction F), a pair of other spring members is arranged on the wide surfaces on both sides of the first holding member 24. Thus, the first case member 26 may be configured to swing not only in the double arrow direction F but also in the direction orthogonal to the double arrow direction.

The first positioning means 28 is formed integrally with either the first holding member 24 or the first case member 26, and is formed as a positioning hole in the first holding member 24 in FIG. By fitting the second positioning means 48 of the moving side connector 40 at the time of mating connection, the first signal transmitting member 22 of the fixed side connector 20 and the second signal transmitting member 42 of the moving side connector 40 are accurately positioned. It is provided to allow contact.

In the moving-side connector 40, the second signal transmitting member 42 is composed of an optical fiber (not shown) and a ceramic ferrule into which the optical fiber is inserted and fixed. It has the 2nd contact part 42a which contacts the 1st contact part 22a of the 1st signal transmission member 22. Note that FIG. 2 shows a case where a tubular member 50 made of stainless steel that covers the periphery of the second signal transmission member 42 is further formed. With this configuration, when the connectors 20 and 40 are mated and connected, the fixed side is formed. The first signal transmission member 22 of the connector 20 is fitted into the tubular member 50 made of metal such as stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or zinc up to the position where the first signal transmission member 22 contacts the second contact portion 42a of the second signal transmission member 42. Is configured.

The second holding member 44 is provided to hold the plurality of second signal transmission members 42 in a predetermined arrangement state, and can be configured as a metal block.

The second case member 46 surrounds at least the periphery of the second holding member 44, and is a metal shell that is fitted and connected to the first case member 26 of the fixed-side connector 20 when the connectors 20 and 40 are fitted and connected. The second holding member 44 is elastically connected to the second holding member 44 via a second elastic material (not shown) such as a spring material, and holds the second signal transmission member 42. The second holding member 44 can adopt a structure capable of swinging in the internal space of the second case member 46, that is, a so-called floating structure, which allows the second signal transmission when the connectors 20 and 40 are mated and connected. The second contact portion 42a of the member 42 can be accurately positioned and contacted with the first contact portion 22a of the fixed-side connector 20 without being damaged. Further, the outer surface of the second case member 46 is locked to a locked portion 82 of a movable holder 80, which will be described later, which constitutes the connector attaching/detaching device 1, and the locked portion 82 can be slid in a locked state. The outer surface is formed with a locking portion 52.

The second positioning means 48 has a shape that engages with the first positioning means 28, and is integrally formed on any part of the second holding member 44 and the second case member 46 corresponding to the first positioning means 28. When the two connectors 20 and 40 are fitted and connected, by fitting the first positioning means 28 of the fixed side connector 20, the first signal transmission member 22 of the fixed side connector 20 and the second signal transmission member 40 of the movable side connector 40. It is provided to allow precise positioning contact with the signal transmitting member 42. In FIG. 2, the first positioning means 28 is formed as a positioning hole in the first holding member 24 of the fixed-side connector 20, and the second positioning means 48 is formed in the second holding member 44 of the moving-side connector 40 by metal. 2 shows a configuration in which the positioning pin is integrally formed. With this configuration, particularly in the case of an optical connector in which the first and second signal transmission members 22 and 42 having multiple cores (for example, 20 or more for each) are arranged, the first and second contact portions 22a and 42a are damaged. More accurate positioning contact can be made without using.

Further, at least one of the moving-side connector 40 and the fixed-side connector 20 may have a pair of shutters 58 that are openably closed on their respective fitting port sides, as in the modification shown in FIG. When the moving-side connector 40 and the fixed-side connector 20 are, for example, optical connectors, if foreign matter such as dust adheres to the surfaces of the contact portions 22a, 42a of the respective signal transmission members 22, 42, one optical fiber to the other optical fiber. Problems such as inferior light transmission efficiency are likely to occur. However, it is difficult to remove dust adhering to the contact portions 22a and 42a particularly by remote operation using a manipulator. However, by providing the pair of shutters 58, the contact portions 22a and 42a are protected from foreign matter such as dust as much as possible. It is possible to prevent the adhesion.

In addition, the pair of shutters 58 is in a closed state at least until the connectors 20 and 40 enter the mating connection operation, and is opened immediately before the mating connection operation to open the mating port, and then the both connectors 20, 40 are closed. When the connectors 20 and 40 are fitted and connected, and the connector 20 and 40 are released from the fitting and connection, the shutter 58 moves in a direction to close the fitting port immediately after separating the connectors. Preferably. The opening direction of the shutter 58 is preferably an outward opening direction in order to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering the insides of the case members 26, 46 where the contact portions 22a, 42a are located as much as possible. ..

<Connector attachment/detachment device>
The connector attaching/detaching device 1 having the above-described structure and suitable for fitting and connecting the fixed-side connector 20 and the moving-side connector 40, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, serves as a second holder in the present invention. A fixed holder 60, a movable holder 80 as a first holder in the present invention, and a moving mechanism 100 as a moving means are mainly provided.

(Fixed holder)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the fixed holder 60 is a member for mounting and holding the fixed-side connector 20, and is fixed to the base plate 61 of the connector attaching/detaching device 1 by screws or welding. The base plate 61 can be fixed to, for example, a wall, a floor, a ceiling or the like with bolts or welding. The fixed holder 60 has a concave portion 62 having a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the fixed side connector 20 and a cover 63 for covering the opening side of the concave portion 62, and the fixed side connector 20 is arranged in the concave portion 62. With the cover 63 attached, the fixed connector 20 is held in the fixed holder 60 without rattling. The specific structure of the fixed holder 60 is not particularly limited as long as the fixed connector 20 can be mounted and held at a predetermined position and orientation in the connector attaching/detaching device 1.

(Movable holder)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the movable holder 80 is arranged so as to face the fixed holder 60. The movable holder 80 has a movable block 81 which is guided by two linear shafts 64 arranged in parallel with the base plate 61 and is movable in the uniaxial direction X, which moves toward and away from the fixed holder 60.

The movable holder 80 is arranged on the side of the movable connector 40 so as to be openable and closable so that the movable connector 40 can be introduced from the side facing the fixed holder 60 in the opened state, and the movable connector in the closed state. It has a pair of clamps 86 that engage with at least the side surfaces of 40 to position and hold the moving side connector 40 in the horizontal direction W and the vertical direction (uniaxial direction X). Further, each clamp 86 is provided with a front wall 86a that engages with the front surface portion of the moving side connector 40. Further, at the distal end portion of each clamp 86 with respect to the fixed holder 60, a projecting piece 86b that abuts the connector 40 when the moving side connector 40 is introduced and rotates the clamp 86 in the closing direction is provided. ..

Further, the movable holder 80 has a back plate 84 arranged on the back side of the pair of clamps 86 and on the front side of the movable block 81. On the front surface side of the back plate 84, there is formed a shaft portion 87 which is arranged corresponding to the distal end portion of the clamp 86 with respect to the fixed holder 60 and which rotatably supports the clamp 86. The back plate 84 is fixed to the movable block 81 with screws or the like, and is movable together with the movable block 81 in the uniaxial direction X.

The back plate 84 also has a function as a connector mounting member. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the back plate 84 has a shape corresponding to the locking portion 52 provided on the outer surface of the second case member 46 of the moving side connector 40, and the locking portion 52 is slidably slidable. A guide groove 82 is formed as a guide portion that is moved and engaged and connected.

The guide groove 82 is formed as a notch extending from the proximal end portion of the back plate 84 to the fixed holder 60 toward the distal end portion side, and the groove width of the guide groove 82 is the proximal end portion. It is formed slightly wider on the side. Accordingly, the locking portion 52 of the moving side connector 40 can be smoothly inserted into the guide groove 82. Further, in this embodiment, the locking portion 52 of the moving side connector 40 is formed so as to project from the outer surface of the second case member 46, and the plate-shaped portion 52a and the circular engagement portion 52b formed on the plate-shaped portion 52a. Since it is configured as a projecting locking portion consisting of, the guide groove 82 has a step portion that projects inward and engages between the plate-shaped portion 52a and the circular engagement portion 52b. Thus, the moving side connector 40 can be attached to the back plate 84.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the back plate 84 projects toward the front side on the mounting direction L side of the moving side connector 40 (distal end side with respect to the fixed holder), and the moving side connector 40. When the clamps 86 and 86 are attached, the distal end surfaces (outer surfaces of the protruding pieces 86b) of the clamps 86 and 86 contact the fixed holder, and when the connectors 20 and 40 are fitted and connected, the fitting pressing force from the moving side connector 40 is applied. An abutment block 88 that receives the clamps via the clamps 86 is formed.

Further, a pin-shaped opening stopper 92 that restricts the opening (rotation) of the clamp 85 is provided on the side of the clamp 86 of the back plate 84.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the movable holder is arranged on the back side of the back plate 84 and on the front side of the movable block 81, and is slidably supported by the back plate 84. have. In the illustrated example, two rails 93 are laid on the back surface of the back plate 84 along the uniaxial direction X, and sliders 94 that run on the respective rails 93 are provided on the front surface of the slider plate 94. The slide plate 94 is independent of the movement of the movable block 81 along the linear shaft 64 and is slidable along the rail 93 with respect to the movable block 81 and the back plate 84. The movement of the slide plate 94 can be manually performed directly or indirectly or remotely via a robot such as a manipulator, or can be performed using an actuator (not shown).

Further, the slide plate 94 presses the outer surface of the protruding piece 86b of the clamp 86 toward the fixed holder 60 side when it is slid in the direction approaching the fixed holder 60, and the protrusion pin 90 as a pressing portion that pushes and opens the clamp 86. Have Each protrusion pin 90 is slidably arranged in an opening formed in the contact block 88, and is configured to project and retract from the opening in conjunction with the movement of the slide plate 94 along the one axis direction X. There is.

Further, the slide plate 94 is provided with a pair of lock portions 94a, 94a protruding forward and abutting on the side surface of the clamp 86 in a closed state when the slide plate is slid away from the fixed holder 60 to lock the closed state. It is provided.

Further, the slide plate 94 is formed with a knob 96 as an operation unit operated by an operator or a robot such as a manipulator. The shape of the knob 96 may be the same as that of the protruding grip portion 54 of the moving-side connector 40. Therefore, after the attachment of the moving side connector 40 to the back plate 84 is completed, an operator or a robot such as a manipulator holds the knob 96 and moves the slide plate 94 relative to the back plate 84 in a direction away from the fixed holder 60. When slid, the pair of lock portions 94a, 94a of the slide plate 94 can hold the pair of clamps 86, 86 so as not to open from both sides. When the knob 96 is gripped and the slide plate 94 is slid in the opposite direction with respect to the back plate 84, the locks 94 a and 94 a unlock the clamps 86 and 86.

In the movable holder 80 configured in this way, the moving-side connector 40 can be attached to the movable holder 80 by remote control. This remote operation can be performed using a robot such as a manipulator. As shown in FIG. 10, this remote control is performed by a small camera attached to a manipulator (robot) by an operator (human) in a control room, for example, several tens of meters away from the reactor building. Then, the operation of the manipulator can be controlled while watching the monitor image displayed.

In addition, when exchanging the moving-side connector 40 using a manipulator, a protruding gripping portion 54 that is gripped by a manipulator or the like on the surface of the connector 40 opposite to the side where the locking portion 52 is provided. Is preferably provided. By causing the manipulator to hold the protruding grip portion 54 in this manner, a twisting force acts on the cable to which the moving-side connector 40 is connected, as compared with the case where the case member 46 of the moving-side connector 40 is directly held. It is difficult and can prevent or suppress undesired deformation (straightening) such as twisting.

(Movement mechanism)
The moving mechanism 100 causes a movement of the movable holder 80 in the uniaxial direction X with respect to the fixed holder 60, and a pressing force for holding the fitting connection state of the moving side connector 40 with respect to the fixed side connector 20, and the fixed side connector 20. It is provided in order to generate both of the separating force required when separating the moving side connector 40 from the.

In particular, in the case of an optical connector, when both connectors 22 and 40 are fitted and connected, the contact portions 22a and 42a of the first and second signal transmission members 22 and 42 are brought into contact with each other so that their optical axes coincide with each other. Therefore, the connectors 20 and 40 have a structure in which the case members 26 and 46 and the holding members 24 and 44 are elastically connected to each other via elastic members. In general, the contact pressure between the pair of signal transmission members 22 and 42 requires an elastic force (for example, a spring force) of about 1 kg. In this case, for example, in the case of a multi-core optical connector having 100 signal transmitting members, it is necessary to apply a spring force of about 100 kg when the connectors 20 and 40 are fitted and connected. A self-propelled manipulator (robot) with joints used during remote control cannot withstand a reaction force of 100 kg, and also makes complicated movements including rotation movements difficult.

Therefore, in such a case, as the moving mechanism 100, it is more preferable to employ a toggle mechanism that is a boosting mechanism. By adopting such a mechanism, even with the operation by the manipulator, it is possible to obtain a sufficient force only by a simple operation of moving the operation lever 102 of the moving mechanism 100 in one direction and pushing the operation lever 102, and both connectors 20, 40. It is possible to reliably hold the fitting connection state of. The shape of the operating lever 102 is not particularly limited. As an example, the operation lever 102 is configured by a round bar in FIG. 1, but may be configured by a plate-shaped piece. By configuring the operation lever 102 with a round bar, even when the operation lever 102 is operated by, for example, a manipulator, the operation for pushing up and down the operation lever 102 by the manipulator is limited to the operation on one axis. This is because the moving mechanism 100 can be operated with a simple structure. In the case where a separation force is applied by the moving mechanism 100 and a large reaction force is received during separation, in order to reduce the reaction force, a cushioning device (not shown) such as an air damper filled with air is further provided. Good.

(Other embodiments)
11 and 12 show a connector attaching/detaching device 1A according to the second embodiment. The connector attaching/detaching device 1A includes an air cylinder 100A that moves in a uniaxial direction along a rail or the like as a moving unit. Be prepared. In this connector attaching/detaching device 1A, for example, when a manipulator pushes an operation switch (not shown), an air cylinder 100A as a moving means connected to an electric system is operated, and a movable holder 80A equipped with a moving side connector 40A. Is configured to move in the uniaxial direction toward the fixed holder 60A, and after the connectors 20A and 40A are fitted and connected, the buckle 30 rotatably supported by the fixed-side connector 20A operates the other air cylinder 104. Then, the tip hook of the buckle 30 which is pushed up and displaced downward is engaged with the engaged pin 56 projectingly provided on the moving side connector 40 so that the fitting connection state of both connectors 20, 40 is maintained. It is configured.

<Connector attachment/detachment method>
Next, an example of a connector attaching/detaching method performed using the connector attaching/detaching device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

The connector attaching/detaching method is a method of connecting and disconnecting both connectors 20, 40 or 20A, 40A capable of fitting and connecting using the connector attaching/detaching device 1 or 1A. In the following description, the special environment as described above is used. Considering the above, a case will be described in which the robot such as a manipulator is remotely operated.

First, a method of moving the moving-side connector 40 closer to the fixed-side connector 20 and fitting and connecting the moving-side connector 40 will be described.

The fitting and connection of both connectors is performed by first gripping the protruding grip portion 54 of the moving side connector 40 with a manipulator that is remotely operated, and holding the moving side connector 40 to the position of the movable holder 80 of the connector attaching/detaching device 1. Transport. In the movable holder 80 before the moving-side connector 40 is mounted, the pair of guide members 86, 86 are maintained in the open state by the pushing-up action of the protrusion pin 90, which facilitates insertion and mounting of the moving-side connector 40. (FIG. 8(a)).

Next, the moving side connector 40 gripped by the manipulator is arranged so that the protruding locking portion 52 of the moving side connector 40 engages with the guide groove 82 formed in the back plate 84 of the movable holder 80. After the 40 is abutted against the front surface of the back plate 84 (FIG. 8B), the protruding locking portion 52 of the moving side connector 40 is engaged with the guide groove 82 of the back plate 84 by the manipulator. It is moved in the direction away from the fixed holder 60. During this movement, the pair of clamps 86, 86 rotate around the shaft portion 87 in the closing direction due to the interlocking operation of the protruding piece 86b and the outer surface portion (lower end portion) of the moving side connector 40, and the moving side The clamps 86, 86 move so as to approach the side surface of the connector 40 (FIG. 8C).

Then, while being held by the manipulator, the moving-side connector 40 is moved downward until the outer surface of the protruding piece 86b of the clamp 86 comes into contact with the contact block 88 connected to the lower end of the back plate 84, and the protruding pin 90 contacts. It is lowered until it is buried in the block 88 (FIG. 8(d)).

After that, the manipulator pushes down the knob 96 of the slide plate 94 to move the slide plate 94 relatively downward (away from the fixed holder) with respect to the back plate 84 (FIG. 8E). As a result, the lock portions 94a, 94a, which are both arm portions of the slide plate 94, face and abut against the outer side wall surfaces of the pair of clamps 86, 86, so that the closed state of the clamps 86, 86 is locked. The mounting and fixing of the moving side connector 40 to the movable holder 80 is completed.

Then, the manipulator pushes up the operation lever 102 of the moving mechanism 100 to operate the moving mechanism 100 to move the movable holder 80 in the approaching direction of the uniaxial direction X with respect to the fixed holder 60. The fitting of the case member 46 to the first case member 26 is started, and then the second positioning means 48 of the moving-side connector 40 is started to be engaged with the first positioning means 28 of the fixed-side connector 20. The first contact portions 22a of the plurality of first signal transmission members 22 held by the first holding member 24 elastically connected to the case member 26 are elastically connected to the corresponding second case members 46. The second case member 46 comes into contact with the second contact portions 42a of the plurality of second signal transmission means 42 held by the held second holding member 44, and the fitting of the second case member 46 to the first case member 26 is completed. Further, by further generating the pressing force by the moving mechanism 100, the fitting connection of the moving side connector 40 to the fixed side connector 20 can be performed.

Next, a method of separating the moving-side connector 40 from the fixed-side connector 20 in the fitting connection state and moving the moving-side connector 40 away from each other will be described.

First, the manipulator pushes down the operation lever 102 of the moving mechanism 100 to move the movable holder 80 downward, so that the movable connector 40 is separated from the fixed connector 20 in the fitting connection state.

Next, by pushing up the knob 96 of the slide plate 94 with a manipulator, the slide plate 94 is moved relatively upward with respect to the back plate 84 (on the side of the fixed holder 60) to open the pair of clamps 86, 86. The lock by the lock portions 94a and 94a of the slide plate 94 that has prevented the above is released. Further, since the protrusion pin 90 pushes up the protruding piece 86a of the clamp 86 in conjunction with the upward movement of the slide plate 94, the pair of clamps 86, 86 is rotated around the shaft portion 87 to be opened (FIG. 9( a)). In this state, the movable connector 40 can be detached from the movable holder 80 by grasping the projecting grip portion 54 of the movable connector 40 with the manipulator and lifting it up (FIG. 9(b)). The side connector 40 can be transported to a predetermined position by a manipulator.

The above is merely an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the two connectors 20 and 40 are configured as optical connectors has been described. However, as the connectors 20 and 40 to be attached/detached by the connector attaching/detaching device 1 of the present invention, only optical connectors However, the connector is not limited to this, and may be a connector having another configuration such as an electrical connector.

According to the present invention, even under a special environment, the connectors can be easily attached/detached by remote operation using a manipulator or the like. It has become possible to provide a connector attaching/detaching device and an attaching/detaching method capable of accurately contact-connecting signal transmitting members that are respectively located and facing each other without damaging each other.

1, 1A Connector attaching/detaching device 20, 20A Fixed side connector 22 First signal transmitting member 24 First holding member 26 First case member 28 First positioning means 29 Spring piece 30 Buckle 32 First elastic material or leaf spring 40, 40A Moving side connector 42 Second signal transmission member 44 Second holding member 46 Second case member 48 Second positioning means 49 Fitting groove 50 Cylindrical member 52 Locking part or protruding locking part 54 Projecting gripping part 56 Engagement Dowel pin 58 Shutter 60, 60A Fixed holder 61 Base plate 62 Recessed portion 63 Cover 64 Linear shaft 80, 80A Movable holder 81 Movable block 82 Guide groove (guide portion)
84 Back plate (connector mounting member)
86 clamp 86a front wall 86b projecting piece 88 abutting block 90 ejecting pin 92 opening stopper 93 rail 94 slide plate 94a lock part 95 slider 96 knob (operating part)
100, 100A Moving force generating means 102 Operation lever 104 Air cylinder

Claims (9)

A connector attaching/detaching device for connecting and disconnecting a first connector and a second connector which are detachable from each other, comprising:
A first holder for holding the first connector;
A second holder arranged to face the first holder and holding the second connector;
Moving means for moving at least one of the first holder and the second holder so as to change the relative position of the first connector and the second connector to perform the connection and the removal. Equipped with
At least the first holder is arranged to be openable and closable laterally of the first connector, and in the opened state, it is possible to introduce the first connector from the side facing the second holder. A connector attaching/detaching device comprising a pair of clamps that engage at least a side surface of the first connector in a closed state. The first holder includes a back plate that rotatably supports the pair of clamps with a distal end side of the pair of clamps relative to the second holder as a rotation center.
A protrusion is formed at the distal end of each clamp so as to abut the first connector and rotate the clamp in the closing direction when the first connector is introduced. Item 1. The connector attaching/detaching device according to item 1. The connector attaching/detaching device according to claim 2, wherein the back plate has a guide portion that guides the introduction of the first connector. The first holder is arranged on the back side of the back plate and is slidable on the back plate along a linear direction extending in a relative movement direction of the first holder and the second holder. The connector attaching/detaching device according to claim 2, further comprising a supported slide plate. The slide plate has a pair of lock portions that lock the closed state by contacting the side surfaces of the pair of clamps in the closed state when the slide plate is slid in the direction away from the second holder. The connector attaching/detaching device according to claim 4. The slide plate includes a pair of slide plates that press the projecting pieces of the pair of clamps toward the second holder side when the slide plates are slid in a direction close to the second holder to rotate the clamps in an opening direction. The connector attaching/detaching device according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: The connector attaching/detaching device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pair of clamps have front walls that engage with a front surface portion of the first connector. A connector attaching/detaching method for connecting and disconnecting the first and second connectors using the connector attaching/detaching device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
Introducing the first connector from the side facing the second holder between the pair of clamps in the opened state of the first holder;
Closing the pair of clamps and attaching the first connector to the first holder by engaging the clamps with at least a side surface of the first connector;
A step of operating the moving means to change the relative position of the first holder and the second holder in the proximity direction, thereby fitting and connecting the first connector and the second connector. And a connector attaching/detaching method comprising: By actuating the moving means and changing the relative position of the first holder and the second holder in the separating direction, the fitting between the first connector and the second connector is released and withdrawn. 9. The connector attaching/detaching method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of:

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