JP7426916B2 - Connector cover and masking method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a masking process performed before coating a connector.

Conventionally, when coating a connector, it has been necessary to mask the conductive contact portions of the connector pins in order to prevent poor electrical contact. Therefore, a lot of effort and time was required for masking treatment accompanying the coating treatment.
Furthermore, there are connectors that have complex shapes, such as connectors that have a structure with multiple gaps. In order to accurately mask the connector pins at appropriate positions for such connectors, a highly skilled worker is required.

Patent Document 1 discloses a connector cover used for masking processing related to coating processing for a plug connector having a plurality of connection terminals. This connector cover partially covers each connection terminal and exposes a part of each connection terminal.
Patent Document 1 does not disclose masking processing for a plurality of female pins.

JP 2015-22793 Publication

An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to easily perform masking processing on a plurality of female pins before coating a connector having a plurality of female pins.

The connector cover of the present disclosure is placed over a connector including a housing having a plurality of female pins before the housing is coated.
The connector cover is
a flat portion that faces a flat surface of the housing when the connector cover is placed over the housing;
A plurality of protrusions are provided on the flat part and inserted into the plurality of female pins when the connector cover is placed on the housing.

According to the present disclosure, masking processing can be performed on a plurality of female pins by covering the housing of the connector with the connector cover.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of masking processing in the first embodiment. 1 is a plan view of connector 110 in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a connector cover 100 in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an AA sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the connector cover 100 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a BB sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the connector cover 100 in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of masking processing in Embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a connector cover 200 in Embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of a connector cover 200 according to a second embodiment.

In the embodiments and drawings, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Descriptions of elements assigned the same reference numerals as explained elements will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

Embodiment 1.
Masking processing for the connector 110 will be explained based on FIGS. 1 to 5.

***Summary explanation***
An outline of the masking process for the connector 110 will be explained based on FIG. 1.
Before coating the connector 110, the operator places the connector cover 100 over the housing 111 of the connector 110.
As a result, the protrusion 102 of the connector cover 100 is packed into the female pin 112 of the connector 110, and the female pin 112 of the connector 110 is protected from the coating agent.

***Explanation of configuration***
The configuration of the connector 110 will be explained based on FIGS. 1 and 2.
Connector 110 is a connector having a plurality of female pins 112.
The connector 110 includes a column-shaped housing 111.
A plurality of female pins 112 are provided in the housing 111.
When the connector 110 is used, the male pins are inserted into the female pins 112 and the male and female pins 112 are in conductive contact.

Connector 110 includes a collar portion 113 and a body portion 114.
The collar portion 113 is provided at the bottom of the housing 111.
The body portion 114 is provided on the back side of the housing 111 with the collar portion 113 in between. Wiring is provided in the body portion 114.

The configuration of the connector cover 100 will be explained based on FIGS. 1 and 3.
The connector cover 100 is a jig for masking the connector 110. Specifically, the connector cover 100 is a jig in which a cover that covers the housing 111 and a plurality of protrusions 102 that protect the plurality of female pins 112 are integrally molded.
The connector cover 100 includes a flat portion 101, a plurality of protrusions 102, and an edge portion 103.
The flat portion 101 faces the flat surface of the housing 111 when the connector cover 100 is placed over the housing 111 of the connector 110.
The shape of the plane portion 101 is the same as the shape of the plane of the housing 111. The size of the flat portion 101 is the same as the size of the flat surface of the housing 111.

The plurality of protrusions 102 are provided on the plane part 101 in the shape of a crest.
The number of protrusions 102 is the same as the number of female pins 112 provided on the housing 111. The arrangement of the plurality of protrusions 102 is the same as the arrangement of the plurality of female pins 112 provided on the housing 111.
By covering the housing 111 of the connector 110 with the connector cover 100, the plurality of protrusions 102 are inserted into the plurality of female pins 112.

The edge portion 103 has the same height as the housing 111 and is provided along the outer periphery of the flat portion 101 .
The edge portion 103 covers the side surface of the housing 111 of the connector 110 when the connector cover 100 is placed on the housing 111 of the connector 110.

The respective shapes of the protrusion portion 102 and the edge portion 103 will be explained based on FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the connector cover 100 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a BB sectional view and a partially enlarged view of the connector cover 100 shown in FIG. 3.
The protrusion 102 has a tapered shape.
The diameter of the tip portion of the protrusion 102 is smaller than the diameter of the female pin 112.
On the other hand, the diameter of the root portion of the protrusion 102 is slightly larger than the diameter of the female pin 112. Specifically, the diameter of the portion of the protrusion 102 from the root of the protrusion 102 to a height corresponding to the length of the male pin inserted into the female pin 112 is larger than the diameter of the female pin 112 .
The protrusion 102 has elasticity, and the root portion of the protrusion 102 enters the female pin 112 while being crushed and fills the female pin 112.

The edge portion 103 has a convex surface portion 104 at the tip portion of the entire circumference. The convex surface portion 104 is a portion that swells inward.
When the connector cover 100 is placed over the housing 111 of the connector 110, the convex portion 104 fills the gap between the housing 111 and the tip portion of the edge portion 103.

Other features of the connector cover 100 will be explained.
The connector cover 100 is colored, translucent, and elastic. For example, the connector cover 100 is made of white, translucent, and elastic silicone resin.
Since the protrusion 102 is translucent, when the protrusion 102 is bent, the bent portion changes color to a dark, cloudy color. Since the flat portion 101 and the edge portion 103 are semitransparent, the protrusion 102 that is bent without being inserted into the female pin 112 is visible from the outside.

Connector cover 100 has low outgassing characteristics. For example, the connector cover 100 is made of silicone resin.
Therefore, less outgas is generated from the connector cover 100 during coating processing or test work in a vacuum state.

***Explanation of method***
A method of masking the connector 110 using the connector cover 100 (masking method) will be described.
First, before coating the connector 110, the operator places the connector cover 100 over the housing 111 of the connector 110.
Then, the operator visually confirms that there is no protrusion 102 that has not been inserted into the female pin 112 and has been bent and discolored. If the bent and discolored protrusion 102 is found, the operator puts the connector cover 100 back on the housing 111 of the connector 110.
After that, the operator performs a coating process on the connector 110.
Note that the process of putting the connector cover 100 over the housing 111 of the connector 110 and the process of visually checking the presence or absence of the bent and discolored protrusion 102 may be performed using an apparatus.

***Effects of Embodiment 1***
As described below, by using the connector cover 100, the masking process for the connector 110 can be easily performed.
By covering the housing 111 of the connector 110 with the connector cover 100, all the female pins 112 can be filled with the projections 102. Therefore, the time required for masking processing is reduced.
Since the protrusion 102 has a tapered shape and the diameter of the tip portion of the protrusion 102 is smaller than the diameter of the female pin 112, it is easy to insert the protrusion 102 into the female pin 112. In other words, there is no need to consider the skill level of the worker.
Since the diameter of the root portion of the projection 102 is slightly larger than the diameter of the female pin 112, the portion of the female pin 112 into which the male pin is inserted can be filled with the projection 102. Since the contact area between the protrusion 102 and the female pin 112 is large, the coating agent can be prevented from flowing into the female pin 112.
Since the edge portion 103 covers the side surface of the housing 111, the coating agent can be prevented from flowing in from the side surface of the housing 111.
Since the convex surface portion 104 fills the gap between the tip portion of the edge portion 103 and the housing 111, the coating agent can be prevented from entering through the gap between the tip portion of the edge portion 103 and the housing 111.
Since the connector cover 100 is translucent, it is possible to visually confirm the presence or absence of the protrusion 102 that has been bent and discolored without being inserted into the female pin 112.

The connector cover 100 also has the following effects.
Since the connector cover 100 is removable, it can be used repeatedly. In other words, the masking process using the connector cover 100 is economical.
Since the connector cover 100 has low outgas characteristics, the outgas generated from the connector cover 100 has little effect on peripheral devices of the connector 110 during coating processing or testing work in a vacuum state.

The cost of the connector cover 100 can be reduced by the following production method.
By making a mold for the connector cover 100, the connector cover 100 can be mass-produced using the mold.
By using a three-dimensional printer (3D printer), a small amount of connector covers 100 can be efficiently produced. Moreover, many types of connector covers 100 having different shapes, sizes, or numbers of protrusions 102 can be easily produced.

Embodiment 2.
Masking processing for the connector 210 will be explained based on FIGS. 6 to 8.

***Summary explanation***
An outline of the masking process for the connector 210 will be explained based on FIG. 6.
Before coating the connector 210, the operator places the connector cover 200 over the housing 211 of the connector 210.
Thereby, the male pins 212 of the connector 210 are inserted into the holes 202 of the connector cover 200, and the male pins 212 of the connector 210 are protected from the coating agent.

***Explanation of configuration***
The configuration of the connector 210 will be explained based on FIG. 6.
Connector 210 is a connector having a plurality of male pins 212.
The connector 210 includes a box-shaped housing 211 with one planar side open.
A plurality of male pins 212 are provided inside the housing 211.
When the connector 210 is used, the male pins 212 are inserted into the female pins, and the male pins 212 and the female pins are in conductive contact.

Connector 210 includes a collar portion 213 and a body portion 214.
The collar portion 213 is provided at the bottom of the housing 211.
The body portion 214 is provided on the back side of the housing 211 with the collar portion 213 in between. Wiring is provided in the body portion 214.

The configuration of the connector cover 200 will be explained based on FIGS. 6 and 7.
The connector cover 200 is a jig for masking the connector 210. Specifically, the connector cover 200 is a jig in which a cover that covers the housing 111 and a plurality of holes 202 that protect the plurality of male pins 212 are integrally molded.
The connector cover 200 includes a column part 201, a plurality of holes 202, and a lid part 203.
The column body portion 201 fills a space within the housing 111 of the connector 110 when the connector cover 100 is placed over the housing 111 of the connector 110.
The shape of the column body 201 is the same as the shape of the space inside the housing 211. The size of the column body 201 is the same as the size of the space inside the housing 211.

A plurality of holes 202 are provided in the columnar body part 201 .
The number of holes 202 is the same as the number of male pins 212 provided in the housing 211. The arrangement of the plurality of holes 202 is the same as the arrangement of the plurality of male pins 212 provided in the housing 211.
By covering the housing 211 of the connector 210 with the connector cover 200, the plurality of male pins 212 are inserted into the plurality of holes 202.

The lid part 203 is provided on the column part 201.
The lid portion 203 covers the upper end of the frame portion of the housing 211 when the connector cover 200 is placed over the housing 211 of the connector 210.

The shape of the hole 202 will be explained based on FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line AA of the connector cover 200 shown in FIG.
The hole 202 has a tapered shape.
The diameter of the entrance of the hole 202 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the male pin 212.
On the other hand, the inner diameter of the hole 202 is larger than the diameter of the male pin 212.
The column body 201 has elasticity, and the male pin 212 enters the hole 202 while pushing the entrance of the hole 202 wider.

Other features of the connector cover 200 will be explained.
The connector cover 200 is colored, translucent, and elastic. For example, the connector cover 200 is made of white, translucent, and elastic silicone resin.
Since the columnar body part 201 and the lid part 203 are translucent, insertion of the male pin 212 into the hole part 202 is visible from the outside.

Connector cover 200 has low outgassing characteristics. For example, the connector cover 200 is made of silicone resin.
Therefore, less outgas is generated from the connector cover 200 during coating processing or test work in a vacuum state.

***Effects of Embodiment 2***
As described below, by using the connector cover 200, the masking process for the connector 210 can be easily performed.
By covering the housing 211 of the connector 210 with the connector cover 200, all the male pins 212 can be inserted into the holes 202. Therefore, the time required for masking processing is reduced.
Since the hole 202 has a tapered shape and the diameter of the entrance of the hole 202 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the male pin 212, no gap is created between the male pin 212 and the hole 202. This prevents the coating agent from adhering to the male pin 212.
Since the inner diameter of the hole 202 is larger than the diameter of the male pin 212, it is easy to insert the male pin 212 into the hole 202 after the tip of the male pin 212 passes through the entrance of the hole 202.
Since the connector cover 200 is semitransparent, insertion of the male pin 212 into the hole 202 can be visually confirmed.

The connector cover 200 also has the following effects.
Since the connector cover 200 is removable, it can be used repeatedly. In other words, the masking process using the connector cover 200 is economical.
Since the connector cover 200 has low outgas characteristics, the outgas generated from the connector cover 200 has little effect on peripheral devices of the connector 210 during coating processing or testing work in a vacuum state.

The cost reduction of the connector cover 200 is realized by the following production method.
By making a mold for the connector cover 200, the connector cover 200 can be mass-produced using the mold.
By using a three-dimensional printer (3D printer), a small amount of connector covers 200 can be efficiently produced. Moreover, many types of connector covers 200 having different shapes, sizes, or numbers of holes 202 can be easily produced.

＊＊＊Supplementary information regarding the implementation form＊＊＊
Each embodiment is an illustration of a preferred form and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present disclosure. Each embodiment may be implemented partially or in combination with other embodiments. The procedures described using flowcharts and the like may be modified as appropriate.

100 connector cover, 101 plane part, 102 projection part, 103 edge part, 104 convex part, 110 connector, 111 housing, 112 female pin, 113 collar part, 114 body part, 200 connector cover, 201 column part, 202 hole part, 203 lid, 210 connector, 211 housing, 212 male pin, 213 collar, 214 body.

Claims (7)

A connector cover that is placed over a housing before a connector is coated with a housing having a plurality of female pins, the connector cover comprising:
a flat portion that faces a flat surface of the housing when the connector cover is placed over the housing;
a plurality of protrusions provided on the flat part and inserted into the plurality of female pins when the connector cover is placed on the housing;
Equipped with
Each of the plurality of protrusions has a tapered shape,
The diameter of the tip portion of each of the plurality of protrusions is smaller than the diameter of each of the plurality of female pins.
connector cover. A connector cover that is placed over a housing before a connector is coated with a housing having a plurality of female pins, the connector cover comprising:
a flat portion that faces a flat surface of the housing when the connector cover is placed over the housing;
a plurality of protrusions provided on the flat part and inserted into the plurality of female pins when the connector cover is placed on the housing;
Equipped with
Each of the plurality of protrusions has elasticity,
The diameter of the root portion of each of the plurality of protrusions is larger than the diameter of each of the plurality of female pins.
connector cover. A connector cover that is placed over a housing before a connector is coated with a housing having a plurality of female pins, the connector cover comprising:
a flat portion that faces a flat surface of the housing when the connector cover is placed over the housing;
a plurality of protrusions provided on the flat part and inserted into the plurality of female pins when the connector cover is placed on the housing;
Equipped with
It is colored, translucent and has elasticity.
If each of the plurality of protrusions is bent without being inserted into each of the plurality of female pins, the color changes due to the bending.
connector cover. A connector cover that is placed over a housing before a connector is coated with a housing having a plurality of female pins, the connector cover comprising:
a flat portion that faces a flat surface of the housing when the connector cover is placed over the housing;
a plurality of protrusions provided on the flat part and inserted into the plurality of female pins when the connector cover is placed on the housing;
a rib part provided along the outer periphery of the flat part and covering a side surface of the housing when the connector cover is placed on the housing;
Equipped with
The tip portion of the entire circumference of the edge portion has a convex surface portion raised inwardly,
The convex portion fills a gap between the housing and the tip of the edge portion when the connector cover is placed on the housing.
connector cover. A connector cover that is placed over a housing before a coating process is applied to the connector, which includes a box-shaped housing with one flat side open and provided with a plurality of male pins,
a pillar portion that fills a space inside the housing when the connector cover is placed over the housing;
a plurality of holes provided in the column body portion, into which the plurality of male pins are inserted when the connector cover is placed on the housing;
Connector cover with Each of the plurality of holes has a tapered shape,
The connector cover according to claim 5 , wherein a diameter of an entrance of each of the plurality of holes is smaller than a diameter of each of the plurality of male pins. A masking method for covering a housing with a connector cover before a coating treatment is applied to a connector including a housing having a plurality of female pins, the method comprising:
The connector cover is colored, translucent, and elastic;
a flat portion that faces a flat surface of the housing when the connector cover is placed over the housing;
a plurality of protrusions provided on the flat part and inserted into the plurality of female pins when the connector cover is placed on the housing;
Equipped with
the connector cover is placed over the housing;
The presence or absence of discolored protrusions due to bending without being inserted into the female pin can be visually confirmed.
A masking method in which the connector cover is put back on the housing when a discolored protrusion is found.

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