WO2017090470A1

WO2017090470A1 - Wire harness manufacture support device and connector bar

Info

Publication number: WO2017090470A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/083642
Authority: WO
Inventors: 信一朗岩田
Original assignee: 住友電装株式会社
Priority date: 2015-11-25
Filing date: 2016-11-14
Publication date: 2017-06-01
Also published as: JP2017098092A

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique which enables efficiently manufacturing a wiring body in which multiple wires are connected through a connector. This wire harness manufacture support device is provided with a connector bar which includes a connector setting unit, multiple operation platforms, and a tensile testing mechanism for performing tensile testing of terminals inserted into the connector which has been set in the connector setting unit. The tensile testing mechanism includes a base which is disposed on the connector bar and which movably supports the connector setting unit, a position detection unit which directly or indirectly detects the position along the direction of movement of the connector setting unit, and a testing control unit which, depending on the detection results by the position detection unit, determines whether or not the connection state of the terminal is acceptable.

Description

Wire harness manufacturing support device and connector bar

This invention relates to a technique for manufacturing a wire harness.

In manufacturing a wire harness, a part of the wire harness to be manufactured is first manufactured as temporary connection (sometimes called a sub-assembly), and then the temporary connection is wired on the drawing board to assemble the wire harness. A method may be employed.

The manufacturing technique of the wire harness as described above is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example.

When manufacturing the temporary connection as described above, it may be manufactured while inspecting the terminal insertion state into the connector. In this case, the inspection device is provided on a worktable fixed at a work location where the temporary structure is manufactured. Then, the connector in which the terminal is inserted and the insertion state is inspected on the work table is placed on a member that holds the temporary connection. At this time, there are cases where work is performed at a plurality of work locations for terminal insertion work and insertion state inspection for one connector.

The above-described inspection apparatus in a state where the terminal is inserted into the connector is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3.

JP 2014-192113 A JP 2011-146136 A JP 2014-160598 A

However, in this case, in the work site on the downstream side, the work of replacing the connector from the member that holds the temporary connection to the work table occurs, and it becomes difficult to efficiently manufacture the temporary connection.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient production of a wiring body in which a plurality of electric wires are connected via a connector.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a wire harness manufacturing support device according to a first aspect includes a connector bar including a connector set portion capable of setting a connector, a plurality of work tables, and respective stop positions with respect to the plurality of work tables. The connector bar is stopped while the connector bar is sequentially transported to the plurality of work tables, and a tensile test for performing a tensile test on the terminals inserted into the connectors set in the connector set unit A mechanism that is provided on the connector bar and movably supports the connector set unit; a position detection unit that directly or indirectly detects a position along the moving direction of the connector set unit; and A tensile inspection mechanism including an inspection control unit that determines pass / fail of the insertion state of the terminal according to a detection result by the position detection unit.

The wire harness manufacturing support device according to the second aspect is the wire harness manufacturing support device according to the first aspect, wherein the tensile inspection mechanism further includes an interlocking portion provided to interlock with the connector set portion. The position detection unit is provided on the workbench, and detects a position along the moving direction of the interlocking unit in a state where the connector bar is positioned at the stop position, along the moving direction of the connector set unit. Detect the position.

The wire harness production support device according to a third aspect is the wire harness production support device according to the second aspect, wherein the interlocking unit is connected to the connector set unit in a state where the connector bar is located at the stop position. The position detecting unit includes a switch unit that is pressed by moving the interlocking unit, and the inspection control unit is configured to be in accordance with a state of the pressed switch unit. It is determined whether or not the terminal is inserted.

The wire harness production support device according to a fourth aspect is the wire harness production support device according to the second aspect, wherein the interlocking unit is provided in the connector bar, and the position detection unit is provided on the interlocking unit. A sensor unit that detects the position in a non-contact state is included, and the inspection control unit determines whether or not the terminal is inserted according to the detection result of the sensor unit.

The wire harness production support device according to the fifth aspect is the wire harness production support device according to the first aspect, wherein the position detection unit is provided in the connector bar.

A wire harness manufacturing support apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the wire harness manufacturing support apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the tensile inspection mechanism is provided on the connector bar and wirelessly transmits a detection result of the position detection unit. And a transmission unit provided on the work table and capable of receiving the detection result wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit.

The connector bar which concerns on a 7th aspect is formed so that conveyance from one work location to another work location is possible, and the connector set part which can set a connector, and the terminal inserted in the connector set to the connector set part An inspection unit including a base portion that movably supports the connector set portion of the tensile inspection mechanism that performs the tensile inspection.

According to the first to sixth aspects, the connector bar includes a connector set portion capable of setting the connector, the plurality of work tables, and the connector bar being stopped at the respective stop positions with respect to the plurality of work tables. This is a tensile inspection mechanism for performing a tensile test on a transport unit that is sequentially transported to a plurality of work tables and a terminal that is inserted into a connector set in the connector set unit, and the connector set unit is moved on the connector bar. A base part that can be supported, a position detection part that directly or indirectly detects a position along the moving direction of the connector set part, and an inspection that determines whether the terminal is inserted according to the detection result of the position detection part. A tensile inspection mechanism including a control unit. For this reason, the insertion state of the terminal can be inspected while the connector is set on the connector bar. As a result, the connector replacement work can be omitted by transporting the connector bar to the downstream work site while the connector is set. Thereby, it becomes possible to manufacture efficiently the wiring body in which the some electric wire was connected via the connector.

In particular, according to the second aspect, the tensile inspection mechanism further includes an interlocking portion provided so as to be interlocked with the connector set portion, and the position detection portion is provided on the workbench and is positioned along the moving direction of the interlocking portion. Since the position along the moving direction of the connector set portion is detected by detecting the connector, the configuration on the connector bar side can be simplified.

In particular, according to the third aspect, the interlocking portion is provided on the workbench so as to interlock with the connector set portion in a state where the connector bar is located at the stop position, and the position detection portion is pressed by the movement of the interlocking portion. The inspection control unit determines whether or not the terminal is inserted according to the pressed state of the switch unit. Therefore, since the insertion state of the terminal is inspected by the contact-type switch unit, the reliability of the inspection result can be improved.

In particular, according to the fourth aspect, the interlocking unit is provided on the connector bar, the position detection unit includes a sensor unit that detects the position of the interlocking unit in a non-contact state, and the inspection control unit detects the sensor unit. Whether or not the terminal is inserted is determined according to the result. For this reason, it is not necessary to connect the connector bar and the work table, and the efficiency can be improved.

Particularly, according to the fifth aspect, since the position detector is provided on the connector bar, the connector bar alone can perform at least the position detection in the tensile test.

In particular, according to the sixth aspect, the tensile inspection mechanism can receive the detection result that is provided on the connector bar and wirelessly transmits the detection result of the position detection unit, and the detection result that is provided on the work table and wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit. In addition, a history of detection results of each connector bar can be collectively stored.

According to the seventh aspect, a connector set portion that is formed so as to be transportable from one work location to another work location and can set a connector, and a tensile inspection of a terminal inserted in the connector set in the connector set portion. An inspection unit including a base portion that movably supports the connector set portion of the tensile inspection mechanism to be performed. For this reason, the insertion state of the terminal can be inspected while the connector is set on the connector bar. As a result, the connector replacement work can be omitted by transporting the connector bar to the downstream work site while the connector is set. Thereby, it becomes possible to manufacture efficiently the wiring body in which the some electric wire was connected via the connector.

It is a figure which shows the manufacturing process example of a wire harness. It is a schematic plan view which shows the whole structure of a wire harness manufacture assistance apparatus. It is a schematic plan view which shows one work location. It is a schematic perspective view which shows a wiring bar. It is a schematic perspective view which shows a connector bar. It is explanatory drawing which shows a tension inspection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of a continuity inspection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing which shows a pin unit. It is a flowchart which shows the work procedure seen from the operator side. It is a figure explaining a mode that a pin unit is made to approach with respect to a connector. It is a figure explaining a mode that a pin unit is made to approach with respect to a connector. It is a figure explaining a mode that a pin unit is made to approach with respect to a connector. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a tension test | inspection is performed. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a tension test | inspection is performed. It is a schematic plan view which shows 1 process of the manufacturing method of a wire harness. It is a schematic plan view which shows 1 process of the manufacturing method of a wire harness. It is a schematic plan view which shows 1 process of the manufacturing method of a wire harness. It is a schematic plan view which shows 1 process of the manufacturing method of a wire harness. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 1st modification of a tension inspection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a tension inspection is performed by the tension inspection mechanism which concerns on a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a tension inspection is performed by the tension inspection mechanism which concerns on a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 2nd modification of a tension inspection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a tension test | inspection is performed by the tension test | inspection mechanism which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a tension test | inspection is performed by the tension test | inspection mechanism which concerns on a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the 3rd modification of a tension inspection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a tension inspection is performed by the tension inspection mechanism which concerns on a 3rd modification. It is explanatory drawing explaining a mode that a tension inspection is performed by the tension inspection mechanism which concerns on a 3rd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification of a continuity inspection mechanism. It is a figure explaining a mode that the pin unit of the conduction inspection mechanism which concerns on a modification is made to approach with respect to a connector. It is a schematic plan view which shows 1 process of the manufacturing method of a wire harness. It is a schematic plan view which shows 1 process of the manufacturing method of a wire harness.

{Embodiment}
Hereinafter, a wire harness manufacturing support device according to an embodiment and a method of manufacturing a wire harness using the same will be described.

<Wire harness>
First, the manufactured wire harness will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing process of the wire harness 10.

The wire harness 10 is formed by bundling a plurality of electric wires in a state where they are branched along a wiring path in a laying target (here, a vehicle).

In manufacturing the wire harness 10, first, the terminal-attached electric wire 12 is manufactured in the manufacturing process of the terminal-attached electric wire 12. The terminal-attached electric wire 12 includes an electric wire 13 and a terminal 14 connected to an end portion of the electric wire 13. The terminal 14 may be connected to only one end of the electric wire 13 or may be connected to both ends of the electric wire 13. Usually, the terminal 14 is crimped and connected to the exposed core portion at the end of the electric wire 13. Usually, the length or diameter of the electric wire 13 is appropriately changed according to the wiring route or the connected device. Moreover, in order to distinguish between the electric wires 13, the electric wires 13 colored variously are normally used. For this reason, as the electric wire 13, a plurality of types of electric wires 13 having different lengths, diameters, colors and the like are used. Further, the terminal 14 is provided for connection to a connected device. Usually, the terminal 14 is inserted and connected into the connector 15, and the connector 15 is connected to the mating connector, so that the terminal-side electric wire 12 side is connected. The device-side terminal and the like of the terminal 14 are electrically and mechanically connected. As the terminal 14, an insertable shape (so-called male type), an inserted cylindrical shape (so-called female type), or the like is used. In addition, terminals 14 having different thicknesses may be used. In the manufacturing process of the electric wire 12 with a terminal, the predetermined electric wire 13 is selected and cut into a predetermined length in accordance with the specifications determined in advance, the end covering portion is peeled off, and the exposed core wire portion has a predetermined terminal It is manufactured by selecting 14 and pressing. Accordingly, as the electric wire 12 with a terminal, a plurality of types are prepared depending on the type of the electric wire 13 (difference in length, diameter, color, etc.) and the type of the terminal 14 (difference in male and female, difference in diameter, etc.). .

Moreover, the wiring body 11 which is a one part component of the whole wire harness 10 is manufactured by combining the said electric wire 12 with a terminal with two or more. The wiring body 11 is combined as a single assembly by inserting and connecting the terminals 14 of the plurality of terminal-attached electric wires 12 to a terminal insertion portion (also referred to as a cavity) of the connector 15. Note that some of the terminals 14 of the terminal-attached electric wire 12 are not inserted into and connected to the connector 15 and remain exposed, and in the next assembly process, the connectors 15 of the other wiring bodies 11 are connected. Insert connected.

Note that the number of the terminal-attached electric wires 12 constituting the wiring body 11 is determined in consideration of assembling workability and the like. Usually, it is more than the number conceptually shown in FIG.

In the assembly assembly configuration, a plurality of wiring bodies 11 are collected. Then, on the assembly work table AS, the wiring body 11 is appropriately arranged along the wiring form and is bound by a binding member such as a tape in the wiring form, whereby the wire harness 10 is manufactured. The wire harness 10 is attached with exterior members such as a clamp for attachment to the vehicle body and a protector for protection.

The water harness 10 manufactured in this way is coated with a water-stopping agent or attached with a water stopper rubber plug (also referred to as a grommet) as necessary.

And finally, an appearance inspection and the like are performed, and the product of the wire harness 10 is completed.

In manufacturing the wiring body 11, each terminal 14 of the plurality of terminal-attached electric wires 12 is connected to each terminal insertion portion of the plurality of connectors 15 in accordance with the specifications of the wire harness 10 (that is, the wiring circuit of each electrical device). Must be inserted and connected in an appropriate state with the correct correspondence. At this time, when the wiring body 11 is manufactured, each terminal 14 of the terminal-attached electric wire 12 may be inserted and connected to a single connector 15 at a plurality of work locations due to process restrictions or the like. In this case, in order to inspect the inserted state, the connector 15 is transferred from the member holding the wiring body 11 to the work table at the downstream work location, and it becomes difficult to efficiently manufacture the wiring body 11. .

In the wire harness manufacturing support device 20 and the method of manufacturing the wire harness 10 using the same according to the present embodiment, each terminal 14 is inserted and connected to an appropriate terminal insertion portion while suppressing the occurrence of the replacement work of the connector 15. It is used as an apparatus and method for inspecting the insertion state of the terminal 14 such as whether or not each terminal 14 is inserted and connected in an appropriate state with respect to the terminal insertion portion.

<Wire harness manufacturing support device>
<Overall configuration>
The overall configuration of the wire harness manufacturing support device will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the overall configuration of the wire harness manufacturing support apparatus 20.

The wire harness manufacturing support device 20 includes a wiring body assembly work support unit 30 and a connector bar 40. Furthermore, here, the wire harness manufacturing support apparatus 20 includes a wiring bar 50 and a belt conveyor BC.

The wiring body assembly work support unit 30 is a part that supports the assembly work of the wiring body 11 by an operator. The wiring body assembly work support unit 30 includes a work table 31 for assembling the wiring body 11 and a transport unit 37. The work table 31 is provided for each work location WS. That is, a plurality of work tables 31 are provided along the work path WL. The work table 31 is provided with an inspection device 36 for inspecting the state of the terminal 14 inserted into the connector 15. The conveyance unit 37 is configured such that the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 can move along the work path WL. Thereby, the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 can be sequentially conveyed to the plurality of work tables 31. More specifically, the transport unit 37 is provided in front of the work table 31. The transport unit 37 is formed with a movement direction regulating unit that regulates the movement direction of the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50. As the movement direction restricting portion, here, a groove 37h into which the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are respectively fitted is formed. The groove 37h extends along the work path WL. Accordingly, the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are conveyed along the groove 37h in a state of being fitted in the groove 37h. Then, when the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 move to the front of the work table 31, the operator performs the work on the wiring body 11 being assembled held by the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50. The table 31 is used to insert and connect the end of the electric wire 13 to the connector 15. Further, here, the belt conveyor BC is configured to move the collected connector bar 40 to the most upstream side after the work is completed.

In addition, the moving mechanism part may be provided in the conveyance part 37 to which the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are conveyed. The moving mechanism unit includes, for example, a plurality of guide rotating bodies (pulleys, gears, etc.) and an annular body (belt, chain, etc.) wound around the plurality of guide rotating bodies so as to be able to circulate. In addition, at least one of the guide rotating bodies is configured to be rotationally driven by a rotational drive unit such as a motor. Then, by rotating the guide rotating body by driving the rotation driving unit, the annular body is driven to travel along the work path WL. Note that only one of the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 may be transported by such a moving mechanism. It is also conceivable that the moving mechanism portion for the connector bar 40, the belt conveyor BC, and the portion connecting them form an integral tubular moving mechanism.

Here, since a part of the apparatus for inspecting the connector 15 set on the connector bar 40 is provided on the work table 31, the connector bar 40 needs to be stopped with respect to the work table 31 with high accuracy. Here, the conveyance part 37 is provided so that the connector bar 40 can be stopped at the stop position SP with respect to each work table 31. For example, when the transport unit 37 includes a moving mechanism unit, the connector bar 40 is stopped at the stop position SP by moving the moving mechanism unit a predetermined distance. Moreover, when the conveyance part 37 contains a rail etc. and an operator conveys the connector bar 40 along a rail, or when the conveyance part 37 contains a movement mechanism part, conveyance of the connector bar 40 is regulated to stop position SP. It is conceivable that a regulation section is provided.

The connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are placed on the annular body. When the annular body is circulated and rotated, the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are driven along the work path WL. Here, when the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are positioned on the work table 31 on the most upstream side of the work path WL, the assembly of the wiring bodies 11 in the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 is started. Then, by moving the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 as described above, the wiring body 11 is assembled by the flow work through each work table 31 of the work path WL. Finally, when the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 reach the work location WS on the most downstream side of the work path WL, all the connectors 15 in the connector bar 40 are replaced with the wiring bar 50. Thereafter, the connector bar 40 is collected and returned to the work site WS on the most upstream side by the belt conveyor BC. Further, the wiring body 11 is taken out together with the wiring bar 50 and is carried to the assembly work table AS or the like.

Then, the wiring body 11 assembled in the wiring body assembly work support unit 30 as described above is deployed on the assembly work table AS of the wiring body binding work support unit and the binding work is performed, so that the wire harness 10 Is manufactured.

Hereinafter, in the manufacturing process of the wiring body 11, the connector 15 into which the terminal 14 is inserted at a plurality of work locations WS is referred to as a first connector 15a, and the connector 14 is inserted at only one work location WS. 15 may be referred to as a second connector 15b. In other words, here, the first connector 15a is a connector that is carried on the connector bar 40 between at least some of the work locations WS. On the other hand, the second connector 15 b is a connector that is directly placed on the wiring bar 50 without being placed on the connector bar 40. It should be noted that terminals may be inserted into the second connector 15b in another work location, for example, in a process after the manufacturing process of the wiring body 11.

<Workbench>
FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of the work table 31. That is, a plurality of work tables 31 for assembling the wiring body 11 are provided along the work path WL. The work table 31 includes a work plate 32 for assembling the wiring body 11, for example, inserting an end of the electric wire 13 into the connector 15. The work plate 32 is supported by a support frame (not shown) at a height position where it is easy to work along the worker. Moreover, it is possible that the work board 32 is supported so that it may incline upward toward the back side. Further, the work plate 32 is provided in the back of the transport unit 37.

The work plate 32 is provided with a connector set unit 33, an electric wire supply unit 34, and a component supply unit 35. In addition, the work board 32 has an insertion position display section for instructing an insertion position of the electric wire into the connector 15 and a target electric wire display section for displaying the electric wire 13 to be inserted into the connector 15 set in the connector setting section 33. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that an electric wire color display unit configured to be able to display the color of the electric wire 13 to be inserted is provided. However, it is not essential that the working plate 32 is provided with all the above-described parts.

As shown in FIG. 3, here, at least one (three in FIG. 3) connector set portion 33 is provided on the work plate 32. The connector set portion 33 is formed with a connector set recess 33h in which one of the plurality of connectors 15 constituting the wiring body 11 can be set. By fitting the connector 15 into the connector set recess 33h, the connector 15 is detachably set to the connector set portion 33 at a fixed position and a fixed posture with the back side facing the operator side.

An inspection device 36 for inspecting the terminal insertion state is incorporated in the connector set portion 33 so that the insertion state of the terminal 14 at the end of the electric wire 13 inserted into the connector 15 can be inspected. As the inspection device 36, a known tensile inspection device, a known continuity inspection device, or the like is employed.

Further, the work table 31 incorporates at least a part of the mechanism of the inspection device for the connector bar 40 in addition to the inspection device 36 for the connector set portion 33. The inspection apparatus for the connector bar 40 will be described later in detail.

<Wiring bar>
FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the wiring bar 50. The wiring bar 50 is a long member, and has a configuration in which a plurality of end holding portions 52 are provided so as to be arranged substantially linearly along the longitudinal direction thereof.

More specifically, the wiring bar 50 includes a holding main body portion 53, a pair of elastic plate members 54, and a pair of presser plate portions 56.

The holding main body 53 is a member made of resin or the like, and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate-like member that is long in one direction. A plurality of holding recesses 53 a are formed at an edge (upper edge) on one long side of the holding main body 53 at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the holding main body 53. Each holding recess 53a is formed in a substantially U-shaped groove opening from the main surface of the holding main body 53 to the edge (upper edge) side of one long side.

The pair of elastic plate members 54 is a member formed of an elastic plate material such as rubber, and has a shape corresponding to the main surface of the holding main body 53 and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape that is long in one direction. . Further, linear notches 55 are formed at positions corresponding to the holding recesses 53a on the long side edges (upper edges) of the pair of elastic plate members 54, respectively. . The pair of elastic plate members 54 are respectively arranged on the one main surface and the other main surface of the holding main body 53 in a state where the notches 55 are disposed in the substantially U-shaped width direction substantially central portion of the holding recess 53a. It is closely arranged on the surface.

The pair of presser plate portions 56 is a member made of resin or the like, and has a shape corresponding to the main surface of the holding main body portion 53 and is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape that is long in one direction. A holding recess 56a having the same shape as each holding recess 53a is formed at each position corresponding to each holding recess 53a on the edge (upper edge) of one long side of the pair of presser plate portions 56. ing. The pair of presser plate portions 56 are disposed in close contact with the outer surfaces of the pair of elastic plate members 54 in a state where the respective retaining recesses 56a are disposed at the outer positions of the respective retaining recesses 53a. Further, in this state, the pair of presser plate portions 56 are fixed to the holding main body portion 53 by a binding tool, a screwing structure, an engagement structure, or the like, so that the holding main body portion 53 A pair of elastic plate members 54 are sandwiched and fixed at a fixed position between the two main surfaces and the pair of presser plate portions 56.

In the wiring bar 50, the end holding portion 52 is configured with a configuration in which the cut portions 55 of the pair of elastic plate members 54 are disposed at the substantially central portions in the width direction of the holding

concave portions

56a and 53a. Then, while elastically deforming the elastic plate member 54 so as to widen the cut portions 55, the end portions of the respective wiring bodies 11 are pushed into the cut portions 55 in the holding

concave portions

56a and 53a, whereby the respective wiring bodies 11 are pressed. Is held by the end holding portion 52.

<Connector bar>
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the connector bar 40. The connector bar 40 is a long member, and has a configuration in which a plurality of connector set portions 45 are provided so as to be arranged substantially linearly along the longitudinal direction thereof.

More specifically, the connector bar 40 includes a connector bar main body portion 41 and a connector set portion 45. A part of the configuration of the connector bar 40 constitutes an inspection unit.

The connector bar main body portion 41 includes a first frame portion 42 formed in an elongated shape and a second frame portion 43 that supports the first frame portion 42 and is transported along the groove 37 h of the transport portion 37. In addition, the connector bar main body 41 includes at least one base body 44. Here, the connector bar main body portion 41 includes a plurality of base body portions 44. The plurality of base portions 44 are attached to the first frame portion 42 so as to be arranged in parallel along the longitudinal direction of the first frame portion 42. The base portion 44 is preferably detachably attached to the first frame portion 42.

Each base portion 44 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member formed of resin, metal, or a combination thereof. Each base portion 44 is configured to support the connector set portion 45 so as to be movable, more specifically, so as to be movable along the pulling direction of the electric wire 13. Here, a set concave portion 44 h corresponding to the outer shape of the connector set portion 45 is formed on one main surface (upward surface) of the base portion 44. Then, by fitting the connector set portion 45 into the set recess 44h, the connector set portion 45 is set to the base portion 44 in a posture capable of setting the first connector 15a.

The connector set portion 45 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member formed of resin, metal, or a combination thereof, and is configured to hold the first connector 15a in a posture in which the terminal 14 can be inserted. . Here, a connector holding recess 45 h corresponding to the outer shape of the first connector 15 a is formed on one main surface (upward surface) of the connector set portion 45. Then, when the first connector 15a is inserted into the connector holding recess 45h with the tip of the first connector 15a (the portion connected to the mating connector) at the back, the first connector 15a The first connector 15a is accommodated in the connector holding recess 45h in a state where the back surface (the surface from which the electric wire 13 is drawn out) is positioned on the one main surface side of the connector set portion 45. .

Further, here, the connector setting portion 45 includes a lock mechanism 46 provided to prevent the first connector 15a set in the connector holding recess 45h from coming off. The lock mechanism 46 is provided on the outer surface of the connector set portion 45 and presses the back side of the first connector 15a set in the connector holding recess 45h. For example, it is conceivable that the lock mechanism 46 includes a slide member 46a provided so as to be slidable between a lock position and a retracted position on the back side of the first connector 15a. The lock mechanism 46 suppresses the first connector 15a from coming out of the connector set portion 45 when performing a tensile inspection.

The inspection unit is a part that supports the inspection apparatus that performs the insertion state with respect to the first connector 15a set on the connector bar 40 or a part that has a part of the function of the inspection apparatus.

Here, the inspection unit includes a tensile inspection unit and a continuity inspection unit. The tensile test unit is a part provided to support a tensile test or to take part of a configuration necessary for a continuity test. The continuity test unit is a part provided to support the continuity test or to take part of a configuration necessary for the continuity test. The tensile inspection unit and the continuity inspection unit will be described in detail with an inspection apparatus described below.

<Inspection device>
Next, an inspection apparatus for inspecting the insertion state of the terminal 14 with respect to the first connector 15a set on the connector bar 40 will be described. Here, the inspection apparatus includes a tensile inspection mechanism 60 and a continuity inspection mechanism 70.

<Tensile inspection mechanism>
First, the tensile inspection mechanism will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the tensile inspection mechanism 60.

The tensile inspection mechanism 60 is a device for performing a tensile test of the terminal 14 inserted into the first connector 15a. That is, in the manufacturing process and the like of the wire harness 10 assembled to the vehicle, an operator performs an operation of inserting the terminals 14 attached to the ends of the plurality of electric wires 13 constituting the wire harness 10 into the connector 15. Sometimes. The connector 15 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped member formed of resin or the like. The connector 15 is formed with hole-like cavities into which the terminals 14 can be inserted and connected, arranged vertically and horizontally. Each cavity opens to the back side of the connector 15, and the terminal 14 is inserted into the cavity from the back side of the connector 15. When inserting the terminal 14 into the cavity, it is necessary to avoid a state in which the terminal 14 is only partially inserted into the cavity (half-inserted state). Then, it is confirmed whether the terminal 14 is reliably inserted in the cavity by pulling the electric wire 13 to which the inserted terminal 14 is connected. The tensile inspection mechanism 60 is configured as an apparatus for performing such confirmation.

The tensile inspection mechanism 60 includes the base portion 44, the connector set portion 45, a position detection portion 61, and an inspection control unit 90. Schematically, a connector set portion 45 capable of holding the first connector 15a is supported so as to be movable with respect to the base portion 44. When the electric wire 13 extending from the terminal 14 inserted into the first connector 15a is pulled while the first connector 15a is held in the connector set 45, the first connector 15a and the connector set 45 are An upward force is applied. At this time, a position corresponding to the position where the connector setting unit 45 has moved is detected by the position detection unit 61, and a pass test of the tensile test is performed based on the detection output of the position detection unit 61.

As described above, the tensile inspection mechanism 60 includes a tensile inspection unit provided on the connector bar 40 (hereinafter referred to as a first tensile inspection unit) and a tensile inspection unit provided on the work table 31 (hereinafter referred to as a tensile inspection unit). Called a second unit for tensile inspection).

The first unit for tensile inspection includes the base portion 44, the connector set portion 45, a bolt B1, and a coil spring C1.

One end of the bolt B1 is fastened to a screw hole formed in the bottom of the connector set 45. The other end of the bolt B 1 extends outward of the base portion 44 through a bolt insertion hole formed in the bottom portion of the base portion 44. The bolt B1 extends along the tension direction. A head B1a is provided at the other end of the bolt B1. The head B1a is formed larger than the bolt insertion hole. A coil spring C1 is disposed on the outer periphery of the bolt B1.

The coil spring C1 is provided in such a manner as to be interposed between the bottom of the base portion 44 and the head B1a of the bolt B1. The coil spring C1 is provided so as to urge the head B1a of the bolt B1 in a direction away from the base portion 44. That is, the coil spring C1 biases the connector set portion 45 toward the back side of the set recess 44h. When the terminal 14 is pulled, the connector set 45 is pulled out from the set recess 44h against the urging force of the coil spring C1. At this time, the urging force of the coil spring C1 is elastically bent with a predetermined load (for example, 10 N) when the terminal-attached electric wire 12 having the terminal 14 connected to the first connector 15a is pulled, and the connector set The portion 45 is allowed to float a predetermined distance from the initial position. Here, it is set so that the position detecting unit 61 indirectly detects the movement of the connector setting unit 45.

The second unit for tensile inspection includes an attachment part 69 and the position detection part 61.

The mounting portion 69 is fixed to the work table 31. The attachment portion 69 includes a base 69a, a bolt B2, and a coil spring C2. The base 69a is formed in an L shape. And the switch part 62 mentioned later of the position detection part 61 is attached to the one end side of L-shape, and the volt | bolt B2 is attached to the other end side.

One end of the bolt B2 is fastened to a screw hole provided in the base 69a. The bolt B2 extends along the direction of tensile movement. A head B2a is provided at the other end of the bolt B2. Between the head B2a and the base 69a, a coil spring C2 and a later-described switch switching unit 67 of the position detection unit 61 are interposed.

The coil spring C 2 is provided on the head B 2 a side with respect to the switch switching unit 67. That is, the coil spring C2 is provided in such a manner as to be interposed between the switch switching portion 67 and the head B2a of the bolt B2. The coil spring C2 is provided to urge the switch switching unit 67 in a direction away from the head B2a of the bolt B2. When the terminal 14 is pulled, the switch switching unit 67 is pulled out against the urging force of the coil spring C2. At this time, when the terminal 14 is pulled, the biasing force of the coil spring C2 is elastically bent with a predetermined load (for example, 10 N), and the switch switching unit 67 is allowed to float by a predetermined distance from the initial position. To do. The position detection unit 61 is set to directly detect the movement of the switch switching unit 67.

The position detection unit 61 includes a switch unit 62 and an interlocking unit 66.

The switch unit 62 is configured by a general micro switch including a rectangular parallelepiped main body having a built-in contact and a button protruding from one surface thereof. The switch part 62 has an internal contact in an OFF state in a normal state. When the button is pressed, the pressing force is transmitted to the internal contact, and the internal contact is switched to the ON state. Here, the switch unit 62 includes a tension check switch 621 and an over-tension check switch 623. The

buttons

622 and 624 of the

switches

621 and 623 face the direction orthogonal to the pulling direction. Here, the tension confirmation switch 621 is first turned ON when the terminal 14 is pulled, and the over-tension confirmation switch 623 is turned ON when the terminal 14 is further pulled. The

switches

621 and 623 are connected to the inspection control unit 90 by wire. As a result, the tensile inspection mechanism 60 can detect whether or not the terminal-attached electric wire 12 has passed in the tension check operation and whether or not the tension is excessive by the ON / OFF operation of the

switches

621 and 623. .

More specifically, the tension confirmation switch 621 is a switch for confirming that the terminal 14 does not come out of the cavity even when the terminal 14 is pulled with a predetermined load. More specifically, if the connector set 45 moves when the terminal 14 is pulled and the tension confirmation switch 621 is turned on, the terminal 14 is considered not to be pulled out even when a predetermined load is applied, and the insertion state is Judged to pass.

On the other hand, the over-tension confirmation switch 623 is a switch for confirming that the terminal 14 is being pulled with a load that is allowable in the pulling operation. More specifically, if the connector set 45 moves when the terminal 14 is pulled and the over-tension confirmation switch 623 is turned on, the terminal 14 is pulled with a predetermined load or more, that is, it is pulled too much. It is judged that This result is notified to the worker, for example. Accordingly, when the operator confirms that the tension is excessive, the worker stops the tension. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the terminal 14 from being pulled with an allowable load or more. As a result, it is possible to prevent the locking structure between the terminal 14 and the housing in the first connector 15a from being damaged.

The interlocking unit 66 includes a switch switching unit 67 and an interposition unit 68. The interlocking portion 66 is a portion that moves interlockingly when the connector setting portion 45 moves. Here, the interlocking portion 66 is provided so as to move in the same direction as the moving direction of the connector setting portion 45.

The switch switching unit 67 is a part for switching the

switches

621 and 623. Here, the switch switching unit 67 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The switch switching portion 67 is formed with a bolt insertion hole that penetrates the pair of main surfaces. The bolt B2 is inserted through the bolt insertion hole. For this reason, the switch switching part 67 is movable along the extending direction of the bolt B2. The switch switching unit 67 is located below the

buttons

622 and 624 in the initial state. When the switch switching unit 67 moves along the extending direction of the bolt B2, one of the faces facing the direction orthogonal to the moving direction is in contact with the

buttons

622 and 624 so as to press the

buttons

622 and 624. Is provided.

The interposition part 68 is a part interposed between the switch switching part 67 and the connector set part 45. The interposition part 68 is provided such that the switch switching part 67 moves following the movement of the connector setting part 45. The interposition part 68 is formed in a substantially L shape, and includes one end side portion 68a constituting one end side of the L shape and another end side portion 68b constituting the other end side of the L shape.

The one end side portion 68a is pressed by the connector set portion 45 when the connector set portion 45 moves. Thereby, the interposition part 68 moves following the connector setting part 45. At this time, it is preferable that the distal end side of the one end side portion 68 a is provided so as to be positioned above the connector set portion 45 in a state where the connector bar 40 is positioned at the stop position SP with respect to the work table 31. At this time, it is also conceivable that the one end side portion 68a is fixed with screws or the like so as not to be displaced with respect to the connector set portion 45, or is fitted with a convex portion and a concave portion. In this case, considering that the connector bar 40 is sequentially transported to each work location WS, it is preferable that the means for suppressing the positional deviation has a configuration in which installation work is as simple as possible.

The other end side portion 68b is formed in a long shape along the extending direction of the bolt B2. The tip of the other end side portion 68 b is attached to the switch switching portion 67. Thereby, the switch switching unit 67 can move following the interposition unit 68. That is, the switch switching unit 67 moves following the connector setting unit 45.

The inspection control unit 90 is configured by a computer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, an input / output interface, and the like. Then, the CPU performs arithmetic processing according to the control program stored in the ROM, thereby determining whether or not the tensile inspection is acceptable. A notification unit 91 is wired to the inspection control unit 90. The alerting | reporting part 91 is a part which alert | reports an operator about the pass / failure of a tension test and a continuity test | inspection. The alerting | reporting part 91 alert | reports the success or failure of a tension | tensile_strength test | inspection and a continuity test | inspection to a worker by sound thru | or a character, for example. Moreover, it is considered that the pass / fail of the tensile test and the continuity test is stored in a storage unit or the like provided in the CPU.

<Continuity inspection mechanism>
Next, the continuity inspection mechanism will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of the continuity inspection mechanism 70. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing the pin unit 71.

The continuity inspection mechanism 70 performs the continuity inspection of the terminal 14 inserted into the first connector 15a set in the connector setting portion 45 in a state where the connector bar 40 is stopped at the stop position SP.

As described above, the continuity test mechanism 70 includes the continuity test unit provided in the connector bar 40 (hereinafter referred to as the first continuity test unit) and the continuity test unit provided in the work table 31 (hereinafter referred to as the continuity test unit). (Referred to as second unit for continuity test).

The first unit for continuity inspection includes the base portion 44 and the connector set portion 45.

The second unit for continuity inspection includes a pin unit 71 and an inspection control unit 90.

The pin unit 71 is arranged for each work table 31. The pin unit 71 includes a continuity test pin 72, a pin support portion 73, and a pin moving mechanism 76. The pin unit 71 is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in a direction approaching and separating from the first connector 15a in front of the insertion direction of the terminal 14 in the first connector 15a. Each pin unit 71, more specifically, each continuity test pin 72 is wired to the test control unit 90.

The continuity test pin 72 is connected to the terminal 14 directly or indirectly (here, directly). The continuity test pins 72 arranged in each pin unit 71 may be configured with a minimum number and arrangement corresponding to the terminals 14 inserted in each work table 31. But you may be comprised by the number and arrangement | positioning for all the cavities with respect to the 1st connector 15a.

The pin support portion 73 is a portion that supports the continuity test pin 72 disposed at each work location WS. Here, in one pin unit 71, one pin support part 73 supports all the continuity test pins 72 of the pin unit 71. Specifically, the pin support portion 73 includes a support main body portion 74 and a pin attachment portion 75.

The support main body 74 is formed in a long shape according to the shape of the connector bar 40, for example. The support main body 74 is provided with a plurality of pin attachment portions 75. The support main body 74 is provided so as to contact the outer surface of the base body 44 in the connector bar 40 when the pin unit 71 is brought close to the connector bar 40. A through hole 74 h is formed in the support main body 74. And the pin attachment part 75 is supported so that the pin attachment part 75 can move along the said through-hole 74h. Further, the opening on the front end side of the through hole 74h in the insertion direction of the continuity test pin 72 is formed to be small through the stepped portion 74s. A part of the pin mounting portion 75 is caught by the stepped portion 74s, thereby restricting the movement of the pin mounting portion 75 toward the front end side in the insertion direction of the continuity test pin 72.

The pin mounting portion 75 is provided according to the first connector 15a. Here, at least one continuity test pin 72 attached to the pin attachment portion 75 is inserted into the first connector 15a. The continuity test pin 72 is attached in such a manner that the tip side protrudes with respect to the pin attachment portion 75. The pin attachment portion 75 is supported so as to be movable along the insertion direction of the continuity test pin 72 with respect to the support main body portion 74.

More specifically, the pin attachment portion 75 includes a first portion 75a, a second portion 75b, a third portion 75c, and a connecting portion 75d.

The first portion 75a is supported by the support body 74 so as to be movable in the through hole 74h of the support body 74. The first portion 75a is provided so as to be able to pass through the opening. The front end side of the first portion 75a in the insertion direction of the continuity test pin 72 is provided so as to protrude from the support main body 74, and when the pin unit 71 is brought close to the connector bar 40, the base portion 44 of the connector bar 40 penetrates. It is provided so as to be inserted into the hole 44h.

The second portion 75b is provided so as to protrude toward the front end side in the insertion direction of the continuity test pin 72 with respect to the first portion 75a. The second portion 75 b is provided so as to be inserted into the through hole 45 h of the connector set portion 45 when the pin unit 71 is brought close to the connector bar 40. A continuity test pin 72 is attached to at least one of the second portion 75b and the first portion 75a.

The third portion 75c is provided so as to protrude from the outer peripheral side of the first portion 75a. The third portion 75c is provided so as to be caught by the stepped portion 74s.

As for the connection part 75d, one main surface of the connection main-body part 75e is connected with the 1st part 75a via the elastic member 75f. Further, the main surface of the connection main body 75e opposite to the side connected to the elastic member 75f is fixed to the support member by the fixing component 75g.

As described above, here, the pin attachment portion 75 is attached to the support main body portion 74 via the elastic member 75f. As a result, when the support main body 74 is moved and the plurality of pin mounting portions 75 are brought close to the corresponding connector first connectors 15a, some of the pin mounting portions 75 are displaced along the insertion direction. Even if it is, it can absorb the error.

The pin moving mechanism 76 moves the continuity test pin 72. The pin moving mechanism 76 includes a linear motor, a linear drive mechanism having a screw shaft, a motor that rotationally drives the screw shaft, and a nut portion screwed to the screw shaft, or a linear actuator such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. The Here, the pin moving mechanism 76 moves the continuity test pin 72 via the pin support portion 73.

Here, when the work at the first work location WS is completed, the first connector 15a is transferred to the next second work location WS together with the connector bar 40 while being set in the connector set 45. At this time, if the pin unit 71 is also moved at the same time, the wiring may be tangled. Further, even if the pin unit 71 is moved only by the connector bar 40 without being moved, the movement is difficult if the continuity test pin 72 is located in the cavity of the first connector 15a. Accordingly, here, the pin unit 71 is provided to move to the retracted position by the pin moving mechanism 76 when the connector bar 40 moves.

Specifically, the pin unit 71 is positioned at the retracted position before the connector bar 40 is positioned at the stop position SP. Then, with the connector bar 40 positioned at the stop position SP, the pin unit 71 approaches the first connector 15a set on the connector bar 40 to a position where it can be inspected. Then, the terminal is inserted into the cavity in a state where the continuity test pin 72 is positioned at a position where it can contact the terminal 14 in the cavity of the first connector 15a. This makes it possible to determine that the terminal 14 is connected when the terminal is inserted. At this time, when the terminal 14 at the other end of the terminal-attached electric wire 12 is inserted into another connector 15, the continuity test is performed using the terminals 14 at both ends of the terminal-attached electric wire 12 and the continuity inspection pins 72 for the respective terminals 14. By doing so, it can be inspected whether each terminal 14 is inserted into the correct cavity with respect to the connector 15. Further, it is possible to notify the terminal 14 to be inserted by using the determination result of whether or not the terminal 14 is connected. Thereafter, when the terminal insertion at the work location WS is completed, the pin unit 71 moves again to the retracted position. Then, the connector bar 40 of the work location WS is transported to the next work location WS, and another connector bar 40 is transported to the work location WS.

The inspection control unit 90 determines the continuity state of the terminal 14 based on the presence / absence of electrical continuity between the continuity inspection pin 72 and the terminal 14. Then, the CPU performs arithmetic processing according to the control program stored in the ROM to determine whether the continuity test is acceptable. The determination result is notified to the worker by the notification unit 91. Furthermore, the inspection control unit 90 may perform control for notifying the operator of the terminal-attached electric wire 12 to be inserted next based on the result of the continuity test. For example, it is conceivable to notify the position of the cavity to be inserted next, the color of the electric wire 13, etc. by causing the LED to emit light. Here, the inspection control unit 90 is described as being used in combination with the inspection control unit 90 of the tensile inspection mechanism 60, but this is not essential.

Also, here, the continuity test is performed with the terminal 14 and the continuity test pin 72 relatively close to each other. Therefore, when the continuity test pin 72 is not positioned at the correct position with respect to the terminal 14, there is a possibility that a correct test result cannot be obtained. Further, an unscheduled portion may come into contact with the terminal 14 or the continuity test pin 72, and the terminal 14 or the continuity test pin 72 may be damaged. In order to suppress these, high accuracy is required for the position accuracy of the continuity test pin 72 with respect to the terminal 14. At this time, here, as described above, the continuity test pin 72 is moved every time the connector bar 40 moves in order to perform the continuity test on the connector set portion 45 provided on the connector bar 40 which is sequentially transported to each work place WS. Need to be moved. In order to position the continuity test pin 72 at a fixed position with respect to such a connector bar 40, the continuity test mechanism 70 includes a pin positioning portion 77.

The pin positioning portion 77 determines the position of the continuity test pin 72 relative to the terminal 14 at a stage before the continuity test pin 72 contacts the terminal 14 when the pin unit 71 advances in the direction approaching the first connector 15a. It is provided so that it can be positioned. Specifically, the pin positioning portion 77 includes a guided portion 78 and a guide portion 80 provided so that the guided portion 78 can be guided along the traveling direction of the pin unit 71. The guided portion 78 is provided on the work table 31. The guide portion 80 is provided on the connector bar 40.

The guided portion 78 includes a guide pin 79 protruding from the pin unit 71. The guide pin 79 is provided so as to extend along the insertion direction of the continuity test pin 72. The guide pin 79 includes a first guide pin 79a and a second guide pin 79b. The first guide pin 79 a protrudes from the support main body 74. Further, the second guide pin 79 b is projected from the first portion 75 a of the pin mounting portion 75.

The guide part 80 includes a guide pin insertion part 81 into which a guide pin 79 is inserted. Here, as the guide pin insertion portion 81, a hole facing the lower side is formed. The guide pin insertion portion 81 includes a first guide pin insertion portion 81a and a second guide pin insertion portion 81b. The first guide pin insertion portion 81a is a portion into which the first guide pin 79a is inserted. The first guide pin insertion portion 81 a is provided in the base portion 44. The second guide pin insertion portion 81b is a portion into which the second guide pin 79b is inserted. The second guide pin insertion portion 81 b is provided in the connector set portion 45. The guide portion 80 is one of the components of the continuity test unit.

The first guide pin 79a and the second guide pin 79b are second after the first guide pin 79a starts to be guided when the pin unit 71 advances in the direction approaching the first connector 15a. The guide pins 79b are provided in such a positional relationship and projecting dimensions that the guide is started.

<The manufacturing method of the wire harness 10>
A method for manufacturing the wire harness 10 using the wire harness manufacturing support apparatus 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a work procedure viewed from the worker side. Here, the wire harness manufacturing support device 20 is used to sequentially connect the ends of the electric wires 13 to the connector 15 at a plurality of work points WS (locations where the work table 31 is provided) provided along the work path WL. However, the wiring body 11 is manufactured by a flow operation. At this time, the first connector 15a into which the terminal is inserted at the plurality of work locations WS is placed on the connector bar 40 and is transported together with the connector bar 40 from the upstream work location WS to the downstream work location WS.

Specifically, first, in step S1, the empty connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are arranged at the work location WS at the uppermost stream of the work path WL. Here, the empty connector bar 40 conveyed from the downstream side is disposed. Further, it is conceivable that the wiring bar 50 is taken out from a place where the empty wiring bar 50 is stored. The connector bar 40 is disposed at the stop position SP in the transport unit 37. The wiring bar 50 should just be arrange | positioned in the position near the connector bar 40 in the conveyance part 37. FIG.

Next, in step S2, the first connector 15a is held by the connector bar 40 arranged at the work location WS. Here, the first connector 15 a is taken out from the component supply unit 35 installed on the work table 31 and is held by the connector setting unit 45 of the connector bar 40. Here, after the first connector 15a is held by the connector set portion 45 in a state where the lock mechanism 46 is released, the lock mechanism 46 is brought into the locked state.

Here, in addition to the first connector 15a for inserting the terminal at the work location WS, the first connector 15a for starting the terminal insertion at the work location WS downstream from the first connector 15a is also connected to the connector bar at the work location WS. 40 will be described as being held at 40. But about the 1st connector 15a which starts terminal insertion in the work location WS downstream from this, you may make it hold | maintain at the connector bar 40 in the work location WS downstream from this.

Next, in step S3, the terminal is inserted into the first connector 15a and the inserted state is checked.

Specifically, before the terminal is inserted, the pin unit 71 is first brought close to the first connector 15a. When the pin unit 71 is moved closer to the first connector 15a, as shown in FIG. 10, the first guide pin 79a is inserted into the first guide pin insertion portion 81a, and the first guide pin 79a is inserted. And the first guide pin insertion portion 81a, the pin unit 71 is guided with respect to the base portion 44. If the pin unit 71 is brought closer to the first connector 15a as it is, the second guide pin 79b is inserted into the second guide pin insertion portion 81b as shown in FIG. The pin unit 71 is guided with respect to the connector set portion 45 by 79b and the second guide pin insertion portion 81b. Further, when the pin unit 71 is brought closer to the first connector 15a as it is, as shown in FIG. 12, a position where the continuity test pin 72 can be inspected, that is, when the terminal 14 is inserted, Reach the abutting position. In this state, the movement of the pin unit is stopped. Note that the approach of the pin unit 71 may be performed after the connector bar 40 is positioned at the stop position SP in step S1 and before the first connector 15a is set in the connector setting portion 45.

When the approach of the pin unit 71 to the first connector 15a is completed, the insertion of the terminal 14 is started. The operator takes out the terminal-attached electric wires 12 one by one from the electric wire supply unit 34 and inserts them into the first connector 15a. As described above, since the continuity test pin 72 is located at a position where the continuity test can be performed with respect to the first connector 15a, when the terminal 14 is inserted to a predetermined position with respect to the corresponding cavity, the terminal 14 Comes into contact with the continuity test pin 72 located in the cavity, and the passing of the continuity test is notified. Then, when the continuity test is passed, the worker performs a tensile test continuously. Note that the operator repeats the insertion operation until the success of the continuity test is notified.

The following cases are considered as cases where the passing of the continuity test is not notified. First, when the terminal 14 is not inserted to the position where it contacts the continuity test pin 72, the continuity test is not performed, so the operator is not notified of the test result. Therefore, the operator repeats the insertion operation until some inspection result is notified. Further, when the terminal 14 is inserted into another cavity, if another continuity test pin 72 is located in the inserted cavity, the failure of the continuity test is notified. Further, when the terminal 14 is inserted into another cavity, the continuity inspection is not performed unless another continuity inspection pin 72 is located in the inserted cavity, so that the operator is not notified of the inspection result. Therefore, the operator repeats the insertion operation until some inspection result is notified.

In the tensile inspection, the worker first pulls the terminal-attached electric wire 12. At this time, if the engagement of the terminal 14 in the first connector 15a is insufficient, the terminal 14 is removed from the first connector 15a before the tension check switch 621 is switched, so that the passing of the tensile inspection is not notified. Therefore, the operator reinserts the terminal 14 and performs the tensile inspection again. On the other hand, if the engagement of the terminal 14 in the first connector 15a is sufficient, the connector set portion 45 moves so as to follow the electric wire 12 with a terminal. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the switch switching unit 67 switches the tension confirmation switch 621 following the connector setting unit 45. When the tension check switch 621 is switched, the passing of the tension inspection is notified.

If the operator pulls the terminal-attached electric wire 12 too much, the switch switching unit 67 follows the connector set unit 45 and switches the over-tension confirmation switch 623 as shown in FIG. Therefore, in this case, it is informed that the tension is excessive as well as passing the tensile inspection. When over-tensioning is notified, the operator immediately stops pulling.

たら If the tensile test is accepted, move on to the next terminal insertion. When the continuity test and the tensile test are passed for all the terminal-attached electric wires 12, the insertion of the terminal 14 into the first connector 15a is completed.

In the next step S4, it is confirmed whether or not there is the second connector 15b at the work location WS, that is, the connector 15 that performs terminal insertion and insertion state inspection at the connector set portion 33 provided on the workbench 31.

If there is the second connector 15b, the terminal insertion and the inserted state of the second connector 15b are checked on the work table 31 in the next step S5. When the terminal 14 is inserted and the inspection of the inserted state is completed for the second connector 15b following the first connector 15a, the state is as shown in FIG.

In addition, although it demonstrated as what is test | inspected at the time of terminal insertion here as a continuity check, this is not essential. It is also conceivable to perform a continuity test after all the terminals have been inserted at the work location WS. It is also conceivable that both of these continuity tests are performed. In the case where the continuity test is performed only after the terminal insertion is completed, the pin unit 71 may be brought closer to the first connector 15a after the terminal insertion is completed.

Further, depending on the electric wire 13, only one end may be inserted into the connector 15 at the work location WS, and the other end may be in a free state without being inserted into the connector 15. In this case, the free end portion that is not inserted into the connector 15 is held by the wiring bar 50. And a free edge part is inserted in the connector 15 in the assembly | insertion process etc. which assemble the wire harness 10 combining the wiring bodies 11 mutually, or the terminal insertion process of the downstream work location WS in the said wiring body manufacturing process. .

When step S5 is completed, or when it is determined in step S4 that the second connector 15b is not present, in the next step S6, the terminal portion including the connector 15 in which the terminal insertion is completed in the wiring body manufacturing process is clothed. Change to line bar 50.

Here, as shown in FIG. 16, the second connector 15 b is removed from the connector set portion 45 on the work table 31, and the electric wire 13 near the second connector 15 b is held by the end holding portion 52 of the wiring bar 50. Let Since the first connector 15a is inserted at the downstream work location WS, the first connector 15a is transported to the downstream work location WS while being placed on the connector bar 40 without being placed on the wiring bar 50.

In addition, this process is abbreviate | omitted when there is no connector 15 mounted on the wiring bar | burr 50 in the said work location WS.

In the next step S7, it is confirmed whether there is a work location WS for inserting a terminal into the connector 15 set on the connector bar 40 on the downstream side. If there is such a work location WS, the process proceeds to step S8, and if not, the terminal insertion work is completed.

In the next step S8, the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are moved to the next work location WS. At this time, it is confirmed that the connector bar 40 is in a transportable state. Specifically, it is confirmed that the pin unit 71 is in the retracted position with respect to the connector bar 40. Furthermore, when the connection of the interlocking portion 66 needs to be released, it is confirmed that the connection is released. If the connector bar 40 can be transported, the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are transported along the transport unit 37 to the downstream work location WS. In addition, in the work location WS on the downstream side, the tensile inspection mechanism 60 and the continuity inspection mechanism 70 are located at positions that do not interfere with the movement of the connector bar 40. More specifically, the interposition part 68 of the tensile inspection mechanism 60 is located above the connector bar 40. Further, the pin unit 71 of the continuity inspection mechanism 70 is located at the retracted position. When the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 are transported to the work site WS on the downstream side, the tensile inspection mechanism 60 and the continuity inspection mechanism 70 are set in an inspectable state. And it returns to step S3 and the terminal insertion to the 1st connector 15a and the 2nd connector 15b is performed. Thereafter, this operation is repeated up to the work location on the most downstream side.

When step S5 is completed at the work location WS on the most downstream side, it becomes as shown in FIG. Specifically, the first connector 15a that has been inserted into the connector bar 40 in the work process is still set. In addition, the second connector 15b that has been inserted into the terminal in the work process is still set in the connector setting portion 33 of the work table 31. Further, after this, when step S6 is completed at the work location WS on the most downstream side, it becomes as shown in FIG. Specifically, the first connector 15a is replaced with the wiring bar 50 from the connector bar 40, and the second connector 15b is replaced with the wiring bar 50 from the connector set portion 33 of the work table 31. Then, when the process proceeds to step S7, since there is no next work location WS, the terminal insertion work in the manufacturing process of the wiring body 11 is completed.

The connector bar 40 is empty because all terminal portions of the wiring body 11 are placed on the wiring bar 50 in the state where the terminal insertion work at the work location WS on the most downstream side is completed. The empty connector bar 40 is returned to the most upstream work location WS. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the empty connector bar 40 is placed on the belt conveyor BC flowing behind the work table 31 and returned to the most upstream work location WS. On the other hand, the wiring bar 50 holding the wiring body 11 is a work place for performing the next process such as a process of manufacturing the wire harness 10 by combining the wiring bodies 11 or a process of attaching an exterior member to the wiring body 11. Be transported.

Finally, the wiring body 11 is removed from the wiring bar 50, supported in a state in which the wiring body 11 is developed in accordance with the wiring path on the assembly work table AS, and is bound using adhesive tape or the like in this form. The Thereby, the wire harness 10 is completed.

<Effects>
According to the wire harness manufacturing support apparatus 20 configured as described above and the method of manufacturing the wire harness 10 using the same, the first connector that inserts terminals into the connector bar 40 provided to be transportable at a plurality of work points WS. The terminal insertion and insertion state inspection can be performed with the 15a set. For this reason, when performing terminal insertion and insertion state inspection on a single connector 15 at a plurality of work locations WS, the work of replacing the first connector 15a5 at the work location WS on the downstream side can be omitted. . Thereby, it becomes possible to manufacture efficiently the wiring body 11 in which the some electric wire 13 was connected via the connector 15. FIG.

Further, here, a base body portion 44 provided on the connector bar 40 and movably supporting the connector set portion 45, a position detection portion 61 for directly or indirectly detecting a position along the moving direction of the connector set portion 45, A tensile inspection mechanism 60 including an inspection control unit 90 that determines whether the insertion state of the terminal 14 is acceptable according to the detection result by the position detection unit 61 is provided, so that a tensile inspection is performed while the first connector 15a is set on the connector bar 40. It can be performed. For this reason, even when a tensile inspection is performed on the terminal 14 inserted into the first connector 15a, the work of replacing the first connector 15a at the downstream work location WS can be omitted.

At this time, the tensile inspection mechanism 60 further includes an interlocking portion 66 provided so as to be interlocked with the connector set portion 45, and the position detection portion 61 is provided on the work table 31, and the position along the moving direction of the interlocking portion 66 Since the position along the moving direction of the connector set portion 45 is detected by detecting the above, the configuration on the connector bar 40 side can be simplified.

The interlocking portion 66 is provided on the workbench 31 so as to interlock with the connector setting portion 45 in a state where the connector bar 40 is located at the stop position SP, and the position detecting portion 61 is pressed by the interlocking portion 66 moving. The inspection control unit 90 includes a switch unit 62 to be determined, and determines whether or not the terminal 14 is inserted according to the pressed state of the switch unit 62. Therefore, since the insertion state of the terminal 14 is inspected by the contact-type switch unit 62, the reliability of the inspection result can be improved.

In addition, here, there is a continuity test pin 72 that is directly or indirectly connected to the terminal 14, and the first connector 15a is advanced and retracted in the direction of approaching and separating from the first connector 15a in the front direction of insertion of the terminal 14. A continuity test including a pin unit 71 that is arranged on the workbench 31 and an inspection control unit 90 that determines the continuity of the terminal 14 based on the presence or absence of electrical continuity between the continuity test pin 72 and the terminal 14. Since the mechanism 70 is provided, the continuity test can be performed while the first connector 15 a is set on the connector bar 40. For this reason, even when conducting a continuity test on the terminal 14 inserted into the first connector 15a, the replacement work of the first connector 15a can be omitted at the downstream work location WS.

At this time, the position of the continuity test pin 72 with respect to the terminal 14 can be positioned before the continuity test pin 72 contacts the terminal 14 when the pin unit 71 advances in the direction approaching the first connector 15a. The pin positioning portion 77 further includes a guided portion 78 provided in the inspection device 36 and the connector bar 40 so that the guided portion 78 can be guided along the traveling direction of the pin unit 71. The guide part 80 provided in the. For this reason, the continuity test pin 72 can be brought into contact with the terminal 14 more reliably during the continuity test. Thereby, damage to the terminal 14 or the continuity test pin 72 can be suppressed.

The guided portion 78 includes a guide pin 79 protruding from the pin unit 71, and the guide portion 80 includes a guide pin insertion portion 81 into which the guide pin 79 is inserted. For this reason, the terminal 14 and the continuity inspection pin 72 can be more accurately positioned with a simple configuration.

The guide pin 79 includes a first guide pin 79a and a second guide pin 79b, and the guide pin insertion portion 81 is provided in the main body portion and is a first guide into which the first guide pin 79a is inserted. It includes a pin insertion portion 81a and a second guide pin insertion portion 81b provided in the connector set portion 45. At this time, the first guide pin 79a and the second guide pin 79b are guided by the first guide pin 79a when the pin unit 71 advances in the direction approaching the first connector 15a. It is provided so that the guide of the second guide pin 79b is started later. For this reason, the terminal 14 and the continuity test pin 72 can be positioned step by step.

Further, here, the connector 15 constituting the wiring body 11 is provided on the work table 31 fixed to one work location WS with respect to the second connector 15b in which terminals are inserted only at one work location WS. The terminal set and the inserted state are inspected using the connector set portion 33 and the inspection device 36. For this reason, the conventional installation and method can be employ | adopted with respect to the 2nd connector 15b in which terminal insertion is completed by one work location WS.

In addition, here, the wiring bar 50 provided with a plurality of terminal holding portions capable of holding the terminal portion of the wiring body 11 is transported together with the connector bar 40 between the plurality of work locations WS. Furthermore, the connectors 15 that have been subjected to terminal insertion and insertion state inspection are sequentially placed on the wiring bar 50. For this reason, the number of the connectors 15 placed on the connector bar 40 at the same time can be reduced, and an increase in the size of the connector bar 40 can be suppressed. Moreover, it is not necessary to convey the connector bar 40 to the next manufacturing process of the wire harness 10 such as a wiring process.

{Modification of tensile inspection mechanism 60}
Next, a modification of the tensile inspection mechanism 60 will be described.

{First modification}
First, a first modification of the tensile inspection mechanism 60 will be described. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a first modification of the tensile inspection mechanism 60.

The tensile inspection mechanism 60A according to the first modification is different from the tensile inspection mechanism 60 according to the embodiment in the manner of interlocking.

Specifically, the interlocking member 47 provided on the connector bar 40 side and the interlocking part 66 provided on the work table 31 side are engaged and interlocked.

More specifically, the interlocking member 47 is provided in the connector set portion 45. The interlocking member 47 protrudes downward from the connector set portion 45. The interlocking member 47 is inserted through the through hole of the base portion 44 and protrudes downward from the base portion 44. The tip of the interlocking member 47 is bent. This interlocking member 47 is provided so that the interposition part 68 of the interlocking part 66 is engaged.

The bolt B3 is fixed to the switch switching unit 67 and extends to the outside of the base 69a. A coil spring C3 provided on the outer periphery of the bolt B3 is interposed between the base 69a and the head B3a of the bolt B3.

A state where the tensile inspection is performed by the tensile inspection mechanism 60A according to the first modification will be described. 20 and 21 are explanatory views for explaining a state in which a tensile inspection is performed by the tensile inspection mechanism 60A according to the first modification.

As shown in FIG. 20, when the terminal-attached electric wire 12 is pulled, when the terminal 14 is inserted at a position where it engages with the first connector 15 a, the first connector 15 a and the connector are connected via the terminal-attached electric wire 12. The set part 45 is levitated. Along with this, the interlocking portion 66 floats through the interlocking member 47 provided in the connector set portion 45. At this time, if the tension is applied with an allowable load, the switch switching unit 67 switches the tension confirmation switch 621 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is pulling with a load exceeding the allowable limit, the switch switching unit 67 switches the over-tension confirmation switch 623 as shown in FIG.

As described above, the tensile inspection can be performed on the first connector 15a while the first connector 15a is set on the connector bar 40 also by the tensile inspection mechanism 60A according to the first modification.

{Second modification}
Next, a second modification of the tensile inspection mechanism 60 will be described. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a second modification of the tensile inspection mechanism 60.

The tensile inspection mechanism 60B according to the second modification is different from the tensile inspection mechanism 60 according to the embodiment in the manner of detection.

Here, the position is detected by the sensor unit 64 instead of the switch unit 62.

Specifically, the sensor unit 64 detects the position of the interlocking unit 66B. The interlocking portion 66B is provided in the connector bar 40, more specifically, in the connector setting portion 45. The interlocking portion 66 B is formed in a rod shape and protrudes downward from the connector set portion 45. The interlocking portion 66 B is inserted through the through hole of the base portion 44 and protrudes downward from the base portion 44. The position of the tip of the interlocking part 66B is detected by the sensor part 64 provided on the work table 31.

The position detection unit 61 includes a sensor unit 64 that detects the position of the interlocking unit 66B in a non-contact state. The sensor unit 64 is fixed to the base 69a. The sensor unit 64 includes a tension confirmation sensor 641 and an excessive tension confirmation sensor 644. The tension confirmation sensor 641 includes a transmission unit 642 that transmits the detection light DL and a reception unit 643 that receives the detection light DL transmitted by the transmission unit 642. Similarly, the over-tension confirmation sensor 644 includes a transmission unit 645 that transmits the detection light DL and a reception unit 646 that receives the detection light DL transmitted by the transmission unit 645.

The

transmitters

642 and 645 are provided so as to transmit the detection light DL along a direction orthogonal to the pulling direction. And the transmission part 642 of the tension check sensor 641 is provided in the front end side of the interlocking part 66B along the pulling direction from the transmission part 645 of the excessive tension check sensor 644.

The

transmission units

642 and 645 and the

reception units

643 and 646 are connected to the inspection control unit 90. The inspection control unit 90 determines pass / fail of the insertion state of the terminal 14 according to the detection result of the sensor unit 64, particularly here, the reception status of each of the

reception units

643 and 646.

A state in which a tensile inspection is performed by the tensile inspection mechanism 60B according to the second modification will be described. 23 and 24 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a state in which a tensile inspection is performed by the tensile inspection mechanism 60B according to the second modification.

First, the pulling operation is started in a state where the transmitting

units

642 and 645 transmit the detection light DL. At this time, the detection light DL of each of the

transmitters

642 and 645 is blocked by the interlocking unit 66B and does not reach the

receivers

643 and 646 until the connector set unit 45 is pulled a predetermined distance or more.

Then, when the connector set unit 45 is pulled by a predetermined distance or more, the state where the interlocking unit 66B blocks the detection light DL transmitted from the transmission unit 642 of the tension confirmation sensor 641 is released. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 23, the detection light DL transmitted from the transmitter 642 of the tension check sensor 641 reaches the receiver 643. In response to this, the inspection control unit 90 notifies the determination of acceptance.

Here, when the connector set portion 45 is pulled with a load that is greater than or equal to the allowable load, the interlocking portion 66B is released from the state of blocking the detection light DL transmitted from the transmitting portion 645 of the over-tension confirmation sensor 644. As a result, as shown in FIG. 24, the detection light DL transmitted from the transmitter 645 of the over-tension confirmation sensor 644 reaches the receiver 646. In response to this, the inspection control unit 90 notifies the operator that the tension is excessive.

According to such a tensile inspection mechanism 60B, the interlocking portion 66B is provided on the connector bar 40, the position detecting portion 61 includes the sensor portion 64 that detects the position of the interlocking portion 66B in a non-contact state, and the inspection control unit 90 is Whether the terminal 14 is inserted or not is determined according to the detection result of the sensor unit 64. For this reason, it is not necessary to connect the connector bar 40 and the workbench 31, and the efficiency can be improved.

{Third modification}
Next, a third modification of the tensile inspection mechanism 60 will be described. FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing a third modification of the tensile inspection mechanism 60.

The tensile inspection mechanism 60C according to the third modification is different from the tensile inspection mechanism 60 according to the embodiment in the way of dividing the parts constituting the inspection device into the connector bar 40 and the work table 31.

Here, the position detector 61 is provided on the connector bar 40. The tensile inspection mechanism 60 includes a transmission unit 651 and a reception unit 652. Then, the detection result of the position detection unit 61 is wirelessly transmitted to the inspection control unit 90 by the transmission unit 651 and the reception unit 652.

Specifically, the switch part 62 is provided on the base part 44C. The tension check switch 621 and the over-tension check switch 623 of the switch part 62 protrude inside the base part 44C. The switch switching unit 67 is provided on the outer surface of the connector setting unit 45.

The switch unit 62 is wired to a microcomputer provided in the connector bar 40. A transmission unit 651 is provided in the microcomputer. The transmission unit 651 wirelessly transmits the detection result of the position detection unit 61. The switch unit 62 and the microcomputer are wired to the storage battery 653 and are supplied with power from the storage battery 653. The storage battery 653 is wired to the solar panel 654. Then, the electric power generated by the solar panel 654 is stored in the storage battery 653.

The receiving unit 652 is provided on the work table 31. The receiving unit 652 is provided so as to be able to receive the detection result wirelessly transmitted from the transmitting unit 651. The receiving unit 652 is wired to the inspection control unit 90. The detection result received by the receiving unit 652 is sent to the inspection control unit 90. Therefore, the detection result in each connector bar 40 can be collectively stored in the inspection control unit 90.

A state in which a tensile inspection is performed by the tensile inspection mechanism 60C according to the third modification will be described. FIGS. 26 and 27 are explanatory diagrams for explaining a state in which a tensile inspection is performed by the tensile inspection mechanism 60C according to the third modification.

When the terminal-attached electric wire 12 is pulled, when the terminal 14 is inserted at a position where the terminal 14 is engaged with the first connector 15a, the first connector 15a and the connector set portion 45 are levitated via the terminal-attached electric wire 12. Accordingly, the switch switching unit 67 provided on the outer surface of the connector setting unit 45 is levitated. At this time, if pulling with an allowable load, the switch switching unit 67 switches the tension check switch 621 as shown in FIG. When the tension confirmation switch 621 is switched, the transmission unit 651 wirelessly transmits to the reception unit 652 that the tension confirmation switch 621 has been switched. This result is transmitted to the inspection control unit 90 via the receiving unit 652. Then, the inspection control unit 90 notifies the operator that the tensile inspection has passed.

On the other hand, when the terminal-attached electric wire 12 is pulled with a load exceeding an allowable value, the switch switching unit 67 switches the over-tension confirmation switch 623 as shown in FIG. When the over-tension confirmation switch 623 is switched, the transmission unit 651 wirelessly transmits to the reception unit 652 that the over-tension confirmation switch 623 has been switched. This result is transmitted to the inspection control unit 90 via the receiving unit 652. And the inspection control unit 90 notifies an operator that the electric wire 12 with a terminal is being pulled too much.

According to such a tensile inspection mechanism 60C, since the position detector 61 is provided in the connector bar 40, the connector bar 40 alone can perform at least the position detection in the tensile test.

In addition, the tensile inspection mechanism 60 can receive the detection result that is provided on the connector bar 40 and wirelessly transmits the detection result of the position detection unit 61 and the detection result that is provided on the work table 31 and wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit 651. Since the receiver 652 is further provided, the history of detection results of each connector bar 40 can be saved in a lump.

{Modification of continuity inspection mechanism}
Next, a modified example of the continuity inspection mechanism 70 will be described. FIG. 28 is an explanatory view showing a modified example of the continuity inspection mechanism 70.

The continuity inspection mechanism 70A according to the modified example is different from the continuity inspection mechanism 70 according to the embodiment in that an interposed pin 48 is provided.

Specifically, the connector bar 40 includes intervening pins 48. The interposition pin 48 is included in the continuity testing unit. The interposition pin 48 is provided in the connector set portion 45. The interposition pin 48 is provided in such a manner that it can contact the terminal 14 of the first connector 15 a set in the connector setting portion 45. The continuity test pin 72 performs electrical continuity with the terminal 14 via the interposition pin 48.

The intervening pins 48 are fixed to the connector set 45 in advance. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the interposition pin 48 with respect to the terminal 14 can be easily improved. At this time, the terminal side portion of the interposition pin 48 needs to be matched to the shape of the terminal 14. However, it is less necessary for the continuity test pin side portion of the interposition pins 48 and the continuity test pin 72 to match the shape of the terminal 14. Therefore, it is possible to adopt a highly rigid structure that is not easily damaged when abutting. As a result, it is not necessary to increase the accuracy of positioning between the interposition pin 48 and the conduction inspection pin 72. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 28, the pin support portion 73A is simplified. Specifically, the second guide pin 79b and the second guide pin insertion portion 81b are not provided here. Further, the elastic member 75f is not provided. Of course, these structures may be provided also in the continuity inspection mechanism 70A according to the present modification.

A state in which the continuity test is performed by the continuity test mechanism 70A according to the modification will be described. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the pin unit 71 of the continuity inspection mechanism 70A according to the modification is brought closer to the first connector 15a.

Specifically, before inserting the terminal, the pin unit 71 is first brought close to the first connector 15a. When the pin unit 71 is moved closer to the first connector 15a, the first guide pin 79a is inserted into the first guide pin insertion portion 81a, and the first guide pin 79a and the first guide pin are inserted. The pin unit 71 is guided with respect to the base portion 44 by the portion 81a. When the pin unit 71 is brought closer to the first connector 15a as it is, the continuity test pin 72 comes into contact with the interposition pin 48 as shown in FIG. Thereafter, when the terminal 14 is inserted, the terminal 14 comes into contact with the interposition pin 48. Thereby, the continuity test of the terminal 14 can be performed via the interposition pin 48.

According to such an aspect, the connector bar 40 further includes the interposition pin 48 provided in an aspect in contact with the terminal 14 of the first connector 15a set in the connector set portion 45, and the continuity test pin 72 includes the interposition pin 72. Electrical connection with the terminal 14 is made through the pin 48. For this reason, it is avoided that the continuity test pin 72 directly contacts the terminal 14, thereby suppressing damage to the terminal 14 or the continuity test pin 72 that may occur when the continuity test pin 72 directly contacts the terminal 14. can do.

{Other variations}
In the embodiment, it has been described that the operator manually inserts the terminal 14 into the connector 15 at all work points, but this is not essential. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, the connector 15 in which terminals are inserted by the automatic terminal insertion machine AM at one work location WS (for example, the work location WS on the most upstream side) is transferred to the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50. It is also possible.

More specifically, it is conceivable that the twisted wire, splice wire, short wire, or the terminal-attached electric wire 12 having a tube passing work in the subsequent process is not inserted into the connector 15 in the automatic terminal insertion machine AM. Therefore, it is conceivable that the connector 15 into which the terminal-attached electric wires 12 are inserted is placed on the connector bar 40 after the insertion work by the automatic terminal insertion machine AM is completed. That is, such a connector 15 corresponds to the first connector 15a. On the other hand, depending on the connector 15, some terminals 14 are inserted by the automatic terminal insertion machine AM. Such a connector 15 corresponds to the second connector 15a.

In addition, about the 1st connector 15a and the 2nd connector 15b, it is possible to test | inspect an insertion state by the automatic terminal insertion machine AM side. Therefore, for example, the worker at the work location WS takes out the empty connector 15 from the component supply unit 35 and sets it in the connector setting unit AM1 of the automatic terminal insertion machine AM. It is conceivable to perform an operation of placing the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50 from the AM.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 31, the process may include a step of attaching the exterior member 18 to the electric wire 13 whose end is inserted into the first connector 15a at the downstream work location WS. In this case, a part of the replacement work can be omitted by directly attaching the exterior member 18 without replacing the connector bar 40 to the wiring bar 50. More specifically, after the terminal insertion into the first connector 15a is finished, the first connector 15a remaining on the connector bar 40 is removed from the connector bar 40 at the downstream work location WS and set in the exterior member mounting mechanism 38. To do. Next, the exterior member 18 is attached to the electric wire 13 extending from the first connector 15 a set in the exterior member attachment mechanism 38. Then, after attaching the exterior member 18, the first connector 15 a is placed on the wiring bar 50. As a result, the first connector 15a once mounted on the wiring bar 50 from the connector bar 40 is once mounted on the wiring bar 50 as compared with the case where the outer member 18 is mounted by setting the first connector 15a on the outer member mounting mechanism 38. Work can be omitted.

In the continuity inspection mechanism 70, the pin unit 71 is moved by the pin moving mechanism 76. However, this is not essential. The pin unit 71 may be manually moved by an operator. Further, the position of the pin unit 71 may be fixed, and the connector bar 40 side may be moved toward the pin unit 71.

Moreover, although the electric wire 12 with a terminal to be inserted into the connector 15 in each work table 31 has been described as being disposed in the electric wire supply unit 34 provided in the work table 31, this is not essential. The electric wire holding bar for holding the terminal-attached electric wire 12 may be conveyed from the first work location WS to the second work location WS together with the connector bar 40 and the wiring bar 50.

In the present embodiment, the wiring bar 50 is moved to each work location WS together with the connector bar 40, but this is not essential. It is also conceivable that the wiring bar 50 does not move to each work location WS. In this case, it is conceivable that all the connectors 15 are placed on the connector bar 40 and conveyed from the most upstream work site WS to the most downstream work site WS. In this case, the wiring body 11 may be transported to the next assembly process or the like together with the connector bar 40, or transferred to the wiring bar 50 at the most downstream work location WS and transported to the next assembly process or the like. May be.

In addition, each structure demonstrated in the said embodiment and each modification can be suitably combined unless it mutually contradicts.

Although the present invention has been described in detail as described above, the above description is illustrative in all aspects, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that countless variations that are not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Wire harness 11 Wiring body 12 Electric wire with terminal 13 Electric wire 14 Terminal 15 Connector 15a 1st connector 15b 2nd connector 18 Exterior member 20 Wire harness production assistance apparatus 30 Wiring body assembly work assistance part 31 Worktable 33 Connector set part 34 Wire supply part 35 Parts supply part 36 Inspection device 37 Transport part 40 Connector bar 41 Connector bar body part 44 Base part 45 Connector set part 46 Lock part 47 Interlocking member 48 Interposition pin 50 Wire bar 52 End holding part 60 Tensile inspection Mechanism 61 Position detection unit 62 Switch unit 621 Tension confirmation switch 623 Over tension confirmation switch 64 Sensor unit 641 Tension confirmation sensor 644 Over tension confirmation sensor 651 Transmission unit 652 Reception unit 66 Interlocking unit 67 Switch switching unit 70 Continuity inspection mechanism 71 pin Unit 72 continuity test pin 73 pin support portion 77 pin positioning portion 78 guided portion 79 guide pin 79a first guide pin 79b second guide pin 80 guide portion 81 guide pin insertion portion 81a first guide pin insertion portion 81b Second guide pin insertion part 90 Inspection control unit 91 Notification part SP Stop position WL Work path WS Work place

Claims

A connector bar including a connector set portion on which a connector can be set;
Multiple worktables,
A transport unit in which the connector bar is sequentially transported to the plurality of worktables while the connector bar is stopped at each stop position with respect to the plurality of worktables;
A tensile inspection mechanism for performing a tensile test of a terminal inserted into a connector set in the connector set part, the base part being provided on the connector bar and movably supporting the connector set part, and the connector Tensile inspection including a position detection unit that directly or indirectly detects a position along the moving direction of the set unit, and an inspection control unit that determines pass / fail of the insertion state of the terminal according to a detection result by the position detection unit Mechanism,
A wire harness manufacturing support device.
The wire harness manufacturing support device according to claim 1,
The tensile inspection mechanism further includes an interlocking portion provided to interlock with the connector set portion,
The position detection unit is provided on the workbench, and a position along the moving direction of the connector set unit by detecting a position along the moving direction of the interlocking unit in a state where the connector bar is positioned at the stop position. Detecting wire harness manufacturing support device.
The wire harness production support device according to claim 2,
The interlocking portion is provided on the workbench so as to interlock with the connector set portion in a state where the connector bar is located at the stop position,
The position detection unit includes a switch unit that is pressed by moving the interlocking unit,
The said inspection control unit is a wire harness manufacture assistance apparatus which determines the pass or fail of the insertion state of the said terminal according to the state of the said switch part pressed.
The wire harness production support device according to claim 2,
The interlocking portion is provided on the connector bar,
The position detection unit includes a sensor unit that detects the position of the interlocking unit in a non-contact state,
The said inspection control unit is a wire harness manufacture assistance apparatus which determines the pass or fail of the insertion state of the said terminal according to the detection result of the said sensor part.
The wire harness manufacturing support device according to claim 1,
The said position detection part is a wire harness manufacture assistance apparatus provided in the said connector bar.
The wire harness manufacturing support device according to claim 5,
The tensile inspection mechanism includes a transmission unit that is provided on the connector bar and wirelessly transmits a detection result of the position detection unit, and a reception unit that is provided on the work table and is capable of receiving the detection result wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit. And a wire harness manufacturing support device.
It is formed so that it can be transported from one work location to another,
A connector set part capable of setting a connector;
An inspection unit including a base portion that movably supports at least the connector set portion of a tensile inspection mechanism that performs tensile inspection of a terminal inserted into the connector set in the connector set portion;
Comprising a connector bar.