JP4091480B2

JP4091480B2 - Terminal arrangement correcting jig, electric connection box capable of correcting terminal arrangement, and terminal insertion method

Info

Publication number: JP4091480B2
Application number: JP2003154692A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 邦彦竹内; 真洋杉谷
Original assignee: Yazaki Corp
Current assignee: Yazaki Corp
Priority date: 2003-05-30
Filing date: 2003-05-30
Publication date: 2008-05-28
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-30
Also published as: JP2004357461A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、例えば電気接続箱の組立等において一列の各端子の倒れを矯正して相手コネクタ等を一列の各端子に干渉なくスムーズに接続等させることのできる端子配列矯正治具と端子配列矯正可能な電気接続箱及び端子配列矯正方法並びに端子挿入方法に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
図１４は従来の電気接続箱を示すものである（例えば特許文献１参照）。
この電気接続箱４１は、合成樹脂製のケース４２と、ケース４２内に収容される回路（図示せず）と、回路に続き、ケース４２の外側の収容凹部４３内に一列に突出する複数の雄端子４４と、収容凹部４４内に装着される回路基板（相手側ユニット）４５と、回路基板４５の回路に接続されて一列に配置され、雄端子４４に接続される複数の雌端子４６とを備えるものである。
【０００３】
回路基板４５には周囲に複数の位置決め用の凹部４７が形成され、ケース４２の収容凹部４３内に、凹部４７に対する係合用の凸部４８や、回路基板４５に押接する凸部４９が設けられている。回路基板４５はその凹部４７を凸部４８に係合させつつ収容凹部４３内に装着される。それと同時に雄端子４４が雌端子４６内に挿入されてケース４２側の回路と回路基板４５とが相互に接続される。回路基板４５には図示しない電子部品等が配置されると共に、雄端子４４に対する挿通孔が設けられている。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−１９０２５６号公報（頁３、図１）
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記従来の構造にあっては、特に雄端子４４が長い場合において、雄端子４４が板厚方向（端子並び直交方向）に倒れやすく、その場合に回路基板４５の雄端子挿通孔に雄端子４４が挿入されず、雄端子４４の先端が回路基板４５に突き当たってケース４２への回路基板（相手側ユニット）４５の装着ができなくなったり、あるいは雌端子４６に対する心ずれを起こして雄端子４４と雌端子４６の電気的接続の信頼性が低下したりし兼ねないという懸念があった。
【０００６】
本発明は、上記した点に鑑み、たとえ雄端子が長く、並び直交方向の倒れを生じやすい場合でも、相手側ユニットにスムーズ且つ確実に挿入及び接続させることのできる端子配列矯正治具と端子配列矯正可能な電気接続箱及び端子挿入方法を提供することを目的とする。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために、本発明の請求項１に係る端子配列矯正治具は、複数の直線的に配列された端子を端子並び直交方向に位置矯正する一対の杆部を備え、該一対の杆部が端子挟み方向に開閉自在である端子配列矯正治具であって、該一対の杆部を開き、該一対の杆部の間に該直線的に配列された端子を挿入させ、該一対の杆部を閉じて該一対の杆部で該端子を挟み方向に配列矯正した状態で、相手側部材に該端子を初期挿入させ、該一対の杆部を開き、該一対の杆部を該端子から離脱させ、該相手側部材に該端子を完全挿入させるというように、該電気接続箱に該相手側部材を装着する際に該一対の杆部で端子配列矯正を行わせることを特徴とする。
上記構成により、一対の杆部の間に端子挿入用のスリットが構成され、スリットに各端子を挿通させることで各端子の並び直交方向の倒れが矯正される。あるいは、一対の杆部で各端子を並び直交方向に把持可能となり、各端子を挟む（少なくとも倒れを生じた端子のみが両側から挟まれる）ことで端子の並び直交方向の倒れが矯正される。
【０００８】
また、一対の杆部の間の隙間を所要の寸法（例えば端子の最大倒れ許容値あるいは倒れゼロ）に調整可能となる。また、一対の杆部の間の隙間を自在に調整することができ、各種形状大きさの端子に容易に対応可能となる。一対の杆部で各端子を並び直交方向に把持可能となり、各端子を挟むことで端子の並び直交方向の倒れが矯正されることは言うまでもない。
【０００９】
請求項２に係る端子配列矯正治具は、請求項１記載の端子配列矯正治具において、前記一対の杆部に、前記端子に対するテーパ状のガイド面が形成されたことを特徴とする。
上記構成により、一対の杆部の間のスリットに各端子を挿入させる際に、テーパ状のガイド面が各端子をスリット内にスムーズに案内する。あるいは、一対の杆部を開いて各端子の並び直交方向両側に進入させる際に、端子との干渉なく、一対の杆部がスムーズに進入する（一対の杆部の間に各端子がスムーズに挿入される）。
【００１０】
請求項３に係る端子配列矯正治具は、請求項１又は２記載の端子配列矯正治具において、前記一対の杆部が、開閉駆動手段と、端子配列方向及び／又は端子長手方向への進退駆動手段とで操作されることを特徴とする。
上記構成により、一対の杆部が開閉駆動手段で端子並び直交方向に開閉され、第一の進退駆動手段で端子並び方向に進退される。第一の進退駆動手段に代えて第二の進退駆動手段で一対の杆部を端子長手方向に進退させてもよい。一対の杆部を第二の進退駆動手段で昇降させた後、第一の進退駆動手段で端子並び方向に前進させることも可能である。最良の形態としては、一対の杆部を開閉駆動手段で開き、その状態で第一又は第二の進退駆動手段で一対の杆部を前進させて各端子の両側に位置させ、次いで開閉駆動手段で閉じて配列矯正させ、再度一対の杆部を開き、進退駆動手段で後退させるようにするのがよい。
【００１１】
請求項４に係る端子配列矯正可能な電気接続箱は、前記電気接続箱の接続箱本体の壁部に、請求項１〜３の何れか１項に記載の端子配列矯正治具の一対の杆部を挿通させる部分が該接続箱本体内の端子の配列延長方向に設けられたことを特徴とする。
上記構成により、接続箱本体の壁部の切欠孔や貫通孔等の治具挿通部分から電気接続箱内に一対の杆部を挿通させて、接続箱本体内の直線的に配列された各端子の倒れを一対の杆部で矯正することができる。接続箱本体の治具挿通部分への一対の杆部の挿通方向は杆部の先端から杆部長手方向に進入させてもよく、あるいは杆部長手直交方向に挿通させてもよい。接続箱本体内の各端子は回路基板の孔部に挿通されたり、相手コネクタの端子等にスムーズ且つ確実に接続される。
【００１２】
請求項５に係る端子配列矯正可能な電気接続箱は、請求項４記載の端子配列矯正可能な電気接続箱において、前記端子がタブ状及び／又はピン状の端子であり、少なくともタブ状の端子が板幅方向に配列されたことを特徴とする。
上記構成により、タブ状の各端子が一対の杆部で板厚方向に挟まれたり、あるいは倒れた端子のみが倒れ側の杆部で起こされて配列矯正される。このようにして、複数のタブ状（平板状）端子の板厚方向の倒れ矯正を一対の杆部で同時に行うことができる。
【００１３】
請求項６に係る端子配列矯正方法は、電気接続箱の複数の直線的に配列された端子を端子並び直交方向に位置矯正する一対の杆部を備え、該一対の杆部が端子挟み方向に開閉自在である端子配列矯正治具を用い、該一対の杆部を端子配列矯正の最大許容寸法に開き、該一対の杆部の間に該直線的に配列された端子を挿入させることで、該一対の杆部で該端子の配列を矯正した状態で、相手側部材に該端子を初期挿入させ、該一対の杆部を開き、該一対の杆部を該端子から離脱させ、該相手側部材に該端子を完全挿入させる端子挿入方法であって、該電気接続箱に該相手側部材を装着する際に該一対の杆部で端子配列矯正を行わせることを特徴とする。
上記構成により、予め所定寸法に開かれた一対の杆部の間に各端子を挿入（挿通）させることで（各端子の並び直交方向両側に沿って一対の杆部を位置させることで）、端子の倒れが最大許容寸法に矯正される。最大許容寸法とは端子の倒れが許容される限度の値であり、最大許容寸法内の倒れであれば端子が例えば相手側の孔部や相手側の端子内に引っ掛かりなく挿入される。一対の杆部は全ての端子を挟むことはなく、倒れを生じた端子のみを挟み方向に倒れ矯正する。
【００１４】
請求項７に係る端子配列矯正方法は、電気接続箱の複数の直線的に配列された端子を端子並び直交方向に位置矯正する一対の杆部を備え、該一対の杆部が端子挟み方向に開閉自在である端子配列矯正治具を用い、該一対の杆部を開き、該一対の杆部の間に該直線的に配列された端子を挿入させ、該一対の杆部を閉じて該一対の杆部で該端子を挟み方向に配列矯正した状態で、相手側部材に該端子を初期挿入させ、該一対の杆部を開き、該一対の杆部を該端子から離脱させ、該相手側部材に該端子を完全挿入させる端子挿入方法であって、該電気接続箱に該相手側部材を装着する際に該一対の杆部で端子配列矯正を行わせることを特徴とする。
上記構成により、一対の杆部が無接触で各端子の並び直交方向両側に位置し、一対の杆部が閉じ方向に移動して倒れた端子を真直に矯正する。一対の杆部の閉じ量は全ての端子に押接するまで閉じてもよく、あるいは倒れを生じた端子のみに杆部を押接させて端子を最大許容寸法に倒れ矯正するまで閉じてもよい。端子が矯正された状態で相手側部材が組付ないし接続され、その後、一対の杆部を開いて各端子から離脱させることが端子の傷付き防止等の上から好ましい。
【００１５】
請求項６，７記載の発明によれば、一対の杆部で各端子が倒れ矯正された状態に保持され、その状態で相手側部材の装着が開始され、各端子が相手側部材に引っ掛かり等なくスムーズ且つ確実に初期挿入される。相手側部材としては例えば相手端子を有するコネクタや、端子挿通孔を有する回路基板や、コネクタを含む回路基板等が上げられる。一対の杆部は離脱時に開くから、各端子と無用な摺接を起こすことがない。一対の杆部を各端子から離脱させても、各端子は相手側部材に初期挿入されているから、そのまま相手側部材を端子長手方向に押すことで各端子が相手側部材に完全挿入される。
【００１６】
また、接続箱本体の治具挿通部から一対の杆部が挿通されて、接続箱本体内の直線的に配列された各端子が一対の杆部で倒れ矯正され、その状態で相手側ユニットが各端子と干渉せずに接続箱本体側にスムーズに初期装着される。各端子は相手側ユニットに初期挿入されているから、そのまま相手側ユニットを端子長手方向に押すことで各端子が相手側ユニットに完全挿入される。
【００１７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に本発明の実施の形態を図面に基づいて詳細に説明する。
図１〜図１１は、本発明に係る端子配列矯正治具と端子配列矯正可能な電気接続箱及び端子配列矯正方法並びに端子挿入方法の一実施形態を示すものである。
【００１８】
図１の如く、電気接続箱１は接続箱主体部２と、接続箱主体部２に装着される回路基板組立体（相手側ユニット）３とを備えている。
【００１９】
接続箱主体部２は、合成樹脂製のケース（接続箱本体）４と、ケース４内に収容された複数枚の配線板（図示せず）と、ケース４の一端側に配置されたヒューズ装着部５と、ケース４の収容凹部６の底壁をなす合成樹脂製のほぼ平板状の中間カバー７とを備えている。
【００２０】
配線板（図示せず）には回路としてバスバーや電線が配索され、バスバーに続くヒューズ接続用の端子がヒューズ装着部５内に突出し、ヒューズ（図示せず）を側方から装着接続可能となっている。また、バスバーや電線に続くタブ状やピン状の複数の雄端子８，９が中間カバー７の広めの挿通部を貫通して収容凹部６内に一列に突出している。各雄端子８，９はタブ状やピン状といった種類ごとに等ピッチで配列され、同じ高さで垂直方向に長く突出されている。
【００２１】
回路基板組立体３は、合成樹脂製の水平な絶縁基板１０と、絶縁基板１０の表面に立設されたコネクタ１１と絶縁樹脂製のコネクタハウジング１２と、絶縁基板１０に主要パターンで形成されたプリント回路や、表面実装された電子部品等を備えて、例えば自動車用の電子制御ユニットとして作用する。絶縁基板１０と回路とで回路基板１３が構成されている。
【００２２】
コネクタ１１は横長の絶縁樹脂製のハウジング１４の内部に弾性接触片を有する複数の雌端子１５（図７）を横一列に収容して構成され、各雌端子１５は回路基板１３の回路にハンダ付け等で接続されている。他方のコネクタハウジング１２はコネクタ嵌合室内に接続箱主体部２側の雄端子（図示せず）を収容して、外部ワイヤハーネス等を接続するコネクタを構成する。
【００２３】
絶縁基板１０には雄ねじ挿通孔が設けられ、中間カバー７には基板固定用のボス部１６に雄ねじ螺合孔が設けられている。コネクタ１１の下側で絶縁基板１０に複数の雄端子挿通孔１７（図７）が一列に設けられ、端子挿通孔１７に対応して中間カバー７に雄端子挿通用の広めのスリット（挿通部）を有する雄端子支持用の突出部１８が設けられている。
【００２４】
ケース４の収容凹部６は四方を壁部１９〜２２で囲まれて構成され、ヒューズ装着部５とは反対側の壁部１９において雄端子８，９の並び延長方向に略矩形状の切欠孔２３が設けられ、切欠孔２３から収容凹部６内に端子配列矯正治具２４を挿通可能となっている。切欠孔２３は治具挿通部として作用する。この電気接続箱１は端子配列矯正治具２４を挿通させるための切欠孔２３を有することを特徴としている。
【００２５】
雄端子８，９の突出高さは切欠孔２３側の壁部１９よりも高く、側方の壁部２０，２１とほぼ同じ高さである。ケース４の収容凹部６側には回路基板組立体３を収容した後、合成樹脂製のカバー（図示せず）が装着される。
【００２６】
端子配列矯正治具２４は左右一対の水平方向の真直な長形の杆部２５を備え、各杆部２５の基部は矩形状のブロック２６に固定され、ブロック２６は例えば図示しないエア式のチャックシリンダ（開閉駆動手段）の開閉アーム（図示せず）に固定されている。
【００２７】
チャックシリンダ（図示せず）は例えば進退可能なエア式の水平な駆動シリンダ（進退駆動手段）のロッドに連結されて端子並び方向に進退自在となっている。水平な駆動シリンダを垂直な駆動シリンダやボールねじ・モータ等の昇降方向の進退駆動手段でチャックシリンダごと高さ方向に昇降可能としてもよい。水平な駆動シリンダに代えてボールねじとモータ等の進退駆動手段を用いることも可能である。また、チャックシリンダを固定式とし、接続箱主体部２をレール上に進退自在に配置することも可能である。端子配列矯正治具２４の駆動機構については後述する。
【００２８】
一対の杆部２５と開閉駆動手段と端子並び方向の進退駆動手段及び／又は端子長手方向（昇降方向）の進退駆動手段とで端子配列矯正装置（図示せず）が構成される。回路基板組立体３は例えば吸引手段や把持手段等で水平に持ち上げてケース４内に自動供給可能である。
【００２９】
図１の如く一対の杆部２５がケース４の切欠孔２３の手前で左右に開いて位置した状態から、水平な駆動シリンダを伸長させて、図２の如く一対の杆部２５を切欠孔２３からケース４内に雄端子並び方向（矢印Ａ方向）に前進させる。一対の杆部２５は雄端子８，９の並び直交方向両側すなわちタブ状の端子８で言えば板厚方向両側面に沿って非接触で位置する。一対の杆部２５は各雄端子８，９を境にして各雄端子８，９の両側に離間して位置する。図３の如く一対の杆部２５は雄端子８，９の突出基部側から長手方向中間部にかけて位置し、一対の杆部２５の上側に雄端子８，９の先端側の部分が突出して位置する。
【００３０】
図４の如く、一対の杆部２５が全ての雄端子８，９をカバーした（全ての雄端子の両側に非接触で位置した）時点で、チャックシリンダを閉じることで、一対の杆部２５が閉じて各雄端子８，９を両側から挟む。これにより、各雄端子８，９の並び直交方向の倒れ（傾き）が矯正され、全ての雄端子８，９が垂直に位置する。図４に対応する一対の杆部２５の閉じ状態を図５に示す。なお、図２〜図５においては回路基板組立体３の図示を省略している。
【００３１】
一対の杆部２５で各雄端子８，９を把持した状態で、図６〜図７の如く、回路基板組立体３をケース４の収容凹部６に組み付ける。各雄端子８，９は一対の杆部２５で倒れなく一列に整列しているから、回路基板１３の各孔部に干渉なくスムーズに挿通される。
【００３２】
各雄端子８，９が回路基板６の孔部１７に挿入された時点で、チャックシリンダを開くことで、図８〜図９の如く一対の杆部２５が開き、次いで水平な駆動シリンダを圧縮して、一対の杆部２５を開いた状態で後退させる。
【００３３】
図１０〜図１１の如く、一対の杆部２５がケース４の切欠孔２３から外部に引き出された状態で、回路基板組立体３を下向きに押し込むことで、各雄端子８，９がコネクタ１１内に位置ずれなく正確に挿入されて、コネクタ１１内の雌端子１５に正確な接圧で確実に接触する。雌端子１５（図１１）は可撓性の係止ランス２８で絶縁樹脂製のハウジング１４の端子収容室内に係止されている。回路基板組立体３はビス２９で中間カバー７のボス部１６に締付固定される。中間カバー７はケース４内の係止突起３０で周縁を係止されている。ケース４には回路基板組立体３の上からカバー（図示せず）が装着され、電気接続箱１が完成する。カバーの一部で切欠孔２３を塞ぐことが可能である。
【００３４】
雄端子８，９は雌端子１５を介して回路基板組立体３と接続されると共に、ケース４内のバスバー等の回路やヒューズ装着部５のヒューズを介してコネクタ３１等から電源や負荷側の外部ワイヤハーネス等（図示せず）に接続される。
【００３５】
図１０において完成した電気接続箱１は組立装置の外部に払い出され、次の接続箱主体部２（図１）が組立装置にセットされて、図１〜図１０の各行程で雄端子８，９の配列矯正が行われる。
【００３６】
なお、上記実施形態においては、一対の杆部２５を側方から水平方向にケース４内に進入させたが、ケース４の上方から各雄端子８，９の長手方向に沿って端子先端から基端に向けて一対の杆部２５をケース４内に進入させるようにしてもよい。この場合もケース４は前例同様の切欠孔２３を有する。また、ケース４の収容凹部６の周囲の壁部１９が高い場合には切欠孔２３に代えて矩形状の孔部を貫通形成してもよい。その場合はケース４内への一対の杆部２５の進入動作は水平方向に限定される。切欠孔２３や孔部の形状は矩形状に限定されるものではなく、例えば杆部２５の断面が半円状の場合は長孔等にすることも可能である。
【００３７】
また、上記した端子配列矯正治具２４及び端子配列矯正方法は電気接続箱以外でも例えば回路基板における各雄端子８，９に相手側コネクタ（相手側ユニット）の雌端子を接続させる場合や、各雄端子８，９をコネクタハウジング（相手側ユニット）内に挿入させてコネクタを構成させる場合等においても適用可能である。
【００３８】
また、一対の杆部２５の先端部内側にテーパ状のガイド面（図示せず）を設けて、雄端子８，９に対する一対の杆部２５の水平方向の進入動作をスムーズに行わせたり、あるいは一対の杆部２５の下端部内側にテーパ状のガイド面（図示せず）を設けて、雄端子８，９に対する一対の杆部２５の垂直方向の進入動作をスムーズに行わせることも可能である。これらの場合は、テーパ状のガイド面を設けない場合に較べて一対の杆部２５の開き距離を小さく設定することができ、切欠孔２３等の小型化と端子配列矯正の迅速化を図ることができる。
【００３９】
また、本実施形態は電気接続箱１の組立途中における端子８，９の配列矯正について述べたが、例えば組立完了後の電気接続箱の各雄端子に外部ユニット（相手側ユニット）や外部コネクタ等（相手側ユニット）を接続させる際に上記端子配列矯正治具や端子配列矯正方法を用いることも可能である。また、図１１の中間カバー７の雄端子挿通部１８の孔やスリットが狭い場合には、上記端子配列矯正治具を用いて中間カバー７の装着を雄端子８，９との引っ掛かり等なくスムーズに行うことができる。
【００４０】
また、上記実施形態においては複数の雄端子８，９の配列を矯正する場合について述べたが、一対の杆部２５の開きを上記よりも大きくすれば、複数の雌端子（図示せず）の配列矯正を行うことも可能であり、雄端子と雌端子の垂直な各基板部を同時に一対の杆部２５で把持するようにすれば、一列の雄端子と雌端子とを同時に配列矯正させることも可能である。
【００４１】
また、整列する端子８，９は一列に限らず段差を介して二列に配列した場合においても例えば一対の杆部２５をクランク状に屈曲形成することで、二列の端子の配列矯正を同時に行わせることができる。また、一対の杆部２５のうちの何れか一方に、各端子８，９の並び方向の隙間に進入する矯正凸部を端子と同ピッチで複数設ければ、各端子８，９の並び方向の倒れをも矯正することができる。
【００４２】
また、例えば図１を９０゜反転させた状態で端子配列矯正を行わせる、すなわち各雄端子８，９を垂直ではなく水平に位置させ、一対の杆部２５を左右ではなく上下に配置して端子配列矯正を行わせることも可能であり、あるいは図１を１８０゜反転させた状態で端子配列矯正を行わせる（接続箱主体部２の下側に各雄端子８，９を垂直に垂下させ、一対の杆部２５の配置はそのままで、各雄端子２５の下側から回路基板組立体３をケース４に装着する）ことも可能である。
【００４３】
また、上記実施形態においては各雄端子８，９を一対の杆部２５で挟むことを提案したが、回路基板１３の雄端子挿通孔１７の大きさやコネクタ１１内の雌端子１５の弾性接触部１５ａの許容撓み代が大きな場合は、必ずしも各雄端子８，９を一対の杆部２５で挟む必要はなく、雄端子挿通孔１７や雌端子１５内に挿入できる雄端子８，９の倒れの最大許容値を満たすように、倒れた雄端子のみを一対の杆部２５の何れか一方でほぼ垂直に矯正し、倒れていない雄端子には一対の杆部２５を接触させないように、あるいは弱く接触させるように一対の杆部２５の開き量をチャックシリンダのストッパ等で調整することも可能である。雄端子８，９の倒れ方向（板厚方向の右に倒れるか左に倒れるか）は雄端子ごとに違うから、左右一対の杆部２５は必須である。一対の杆部２５の開き量を調整可能とすることで、各種寸法（板厚や長さ）の端子８，９に対応することができる。
【００４４】
一対の杆部２５を開閉できないような構成とした場合には、図１で一対の杆部２５の先端部内側ないし下端部内側に、各雄端子８，９を一対の杆部２５内にスムーズに挿入させるためのテーパ状のガイド面（図示せず）を形成することが有効である。一対の杆部２５を開閉自在とし、一対の杆部２５で各雄端子８，９を挟むように構成することで、各雄端子８，９の真直度（矯正精度）を高めることができるのは勿論である。
【００４５】
図１２〜図１３は上記端子配列矯正治具２４の駆動機構（手段）の一実施形態を示すものである。
一対の杆部２５の基端部分は各ブロック２６’に固定され、各ブロック２６’に水平方向の左右の各ラック３２が固定され、各ラック３２に各ピニオンギヤ３３が歯合し、両ギヤ３３は相互に歯合し、一方のギヤ３３に正逆回転モータ３４のギヤが連結され、モータ３４の回転で両ギヤ３３が反対方向に回転して各杆部２５を開閉させる。
【００４６】
各ラック３２はフレーム３５の前壁の水平な溝３６にスライド自在に係合し、フレーム３５の底部にスライダ３７が固定され、スライダ３７は台座３８の前後方向のガイド溝３９にスライド自在に係合し、フレーム３５は水平なシリンダ４０で台座３８上を進退駆動される。
【００４７】
図１２〜図１３の駆動機構はあくまでも一例であり、例えばモータ３４のギヤの前後に各ラックを歯合させてもよく、あるいは一つ又は二つのカム（図示せず）に沿って一対の杆部２５の基端側の従動子（図示せず）をスライド係合させたりすることも可能である。進退用のシリンダ４０は長いストロークを得るべく二段式としてもよい。
【００４８】
【発明の効果】
以上の如く、請求項１記載の発明によれば、一対の杆部で各端子の並び直交方向の倒れが矯正され、例えばコネクタハウジング内への各端子の挿入や、コネクタ内の相手端子への各端子の挿入や、回路基板の端子挿通孔への各端子の挿入が引っ掛かりや干渉等なくスムーズ且つ正確に行われ、端子の挿入品質や電気的接続の信頼性が向上する。
【００４９】
また、例えば各種形状大きさの端子に応じて一対の杆部の間隔を自在に調整することができ、各種端子に対する汎用性を高めることができる。
【００５０】
請求項２記載の発明によれば、一対の杆部のガイド面によって各端子と杆部との突き当たりや引っ掛かりが防止され、端子配列矯正がスムーズ且つ確実に行われる。
【００５１】
請求項３記載の発明によれば、各駆動手段で一対の杆部を開閉及び進退させることで、各端子の配列矯正を自動で効率よく且つ確実に行わせることができる。
【００５２】
請求項４記載の発明によれば、接続箱本体に治具挿通部を設けたことで、接続箱本体内の例えば収容凹部内の各端子の配列を杆部の一方向（杆部長手方向又は杆部長手直交方向）の進入動作で確実に且つ効率的に矯正することができ、各端子に相手側コネクタ等をスムーズ且つ確実に接続等させることができる。また、杆部の形状も直線的でよく、治具形態が簡素化・低コスト化される。
【００５３】
請求項５記載の発明によれば、複数のタブ状（平板状）端子の板厚方向の倒れ矯正を一対の杆部で同時に行うことができる。一対の杆部の形状もタブ端子の両面に接する部分を有していればよく、例えば真直なピン等の簡単な形状とすることができ、治具形態が簡素化・低コスト化される。
【００５４】
請求項６記載の発明によれば、一対の杆部に各端子を挿入させるだけの一つの動作で端子の倒れ矯正を迅速に効率良く行うことができ、例えば電線接続箱の各端子にコネクタ等の相手ユニットを確実に接続させることができる。
【００５５】
請求項７記載の発明によれば、一対の杆部で各端子を例えば一括して挟むことにより、端子の倒れを精度良く矯正することができ、相手側部材に対する端子の挿入性や接続性が向上する。
【００５６】
請求項６，７記載の発明によれば、例えばコネクタや回路基板等を含む相手側部材が各端子に引っ掛かり等なくスムーズ且つ確実に初期係合して、相手側部材の組付性が向上する。また、一対の杆部が離脱時に開くから、各端子の摺接による傷付きや離脱方向の倒れの発生が防止される。
【００５７】
また、電気接続箱に相手側部材をスムーズ且つ確実に効率よく装着することができ、電気接続箱の組立性や電気接続箱への外部ユニットの組付性が向上する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る端子配列矯正治具と端子配列矯正可能な電気接続箱の一実施形態及び端子配列矯正方法と端子挿入方法の第一行程を示す分解斜視図である。
【図２】端子配列矯正方法及び端子挿入方法の第二行程を示す斜視図である。
【図３】同じく第二行程を示す一部を縦断面とした要部正面図である。
【図４】端子配列矯正方法及び端子挿入方法の第三行程を示す斜視図である。
【図５】同じく第三行程を示す一部を縦断面とした要部正面図である。
【図６】端子配列矯正方法及び端子挿入方法の第四行程を示す斜視図である。
【図７】同じく第四行程を示す一部を縦断面とした要部正面図である。
【図８】端子配列矯正方法及び端子挿入方法の第五行程を示す斜視図である。
【図９】同じく第五行程を示す一部を縦断面とした要部正面図である。
【図１０】端子配列矯正方法及び端子挿入方法の第六行程を示す斜視図である。
【図１１】同じく第六行程を示す一部を縦断面とした要部正面図である。
【図１２】端子配列矯正治具の駆動手段の一実施形態を示す分解斜視図である。
【図１３】同じく端子配列矯正治具の駆動手段の要部を示す平面図である。
【図１４】従来の電気接続箱の一形態を示す分解斜視図である。
【符号の説明】
１電気接続箱
２接続箱本体
８，９雄端子（端子）
１９壁部
２３切欠孔（挿通部）
２４端子配列矯正治具
２５杆部[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a terminal arrangement correction jig and terminal arrangement correction that can correct the falling of each row of terminals, for example, in the assembly of an electrical connection box, and smoothly connect the mating connector etc. to each row of terminals without interference. The present invention relates to a possible electrical connection box, a terminal arrangement correcting method, and a terminal insertion method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 14 shows a conventional electrical junction box (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
The electrical connection box 41 includes a synthetic resin case 42, a circuit (not shown) accommodated in the case 42, and a plurality of protrusions protruding in a row in the accommodating recess 43 outside the case 42. A male terminal 44; a circuit board (mating unit) 45 mounted in the housing recess 44; a plurality of female terminals 46 connected to the circuit of the circuit board 45 and arranged in a row and connected to the male terminal 44; Is provided.
[0003]
A plurality of positioning recesses 47 are formed around the circuit board 45, and a protrusion 48 for engagement with the recess 47 and a protrusion 49 that presses against the circuit board 45 are provided in the housing recess 43 of the case 42. ing. The circuit board 45 is mounted in the housing recess 43 with the recess 47 engaged with the protrusion 48. At the same time, the male terminal 44 is inserted into the female terminal 46, and the circuit on the case 42 side and the circuit board 45 are connected to each other. The circuit board 45 is provided with electronic parts (not shown) and the like, and is provided with an insertion hole for the male terminal 44.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-190256 (page 3, FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional structure, particularly when the male terminal 44 is long, the male terminal 44 tends to fall down in the plate thickness direction (terminal arrangement orthogonal direction). In that case, the male terminal insertion hole of the circuit board 45 The terminal 44 is not inserted, and the tip of the male terminal 44 abuts against the circuit board 45 so that the circuit board (mating unit) 45 cannot be attached to the case 42 or the female terminal 46 is decentered to cause the male terminal. There is a concern that the reliability of electrical connection between the terminal 44 and the female terminal 46 may decrease.
[0006]
In view of the above points, the present invention provides a terminal arrangement correcting jig and a terminal arrangement that can be inserted and connected smoothly and surely to a counterpart unit even if the male terminals are long and are liable to fall in the orthogonal direction. Correctable electrical junction box and End An object is to provide a child insertion method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a terminal arrangement correcting jig according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a pair of hooks for correcting the position of a plurality of linearly arranged terminals in the terminal line orthogonal direction. The pair of hooks is a terminal arrangement correcting jig that can be opened and closed in a terminal pinching direction, and the pair of hooks is opened, and the linearly arranged terminals are inserted between the pair of hooks. The pair of hooks are closed and the terminals are aligned in the sandwiching direction with the pair of hooks, and the terminals are initially inserted into the counterpart member, the pair of hooks are opened, and the pair of hooks are opened. When the mating member is attached to the electrical junction box, the terminal arrangement is corrected at the pair of collars such that the collar is detached from the terminal and the terminal is completely inserted into the mating member. It is characterized by that.
With the above configuration, a terminal insertion slit is formed between the pair of collars, and the respective terminals are inserted through the slit, thereby correcting the tilt of the terminals in the orthogonal direction. Alternatively, the terminals can be lined up and gripped in the orthogonal direction with a pair of hooks, and the terminals are aligned and the tilt in the orthogonal direction is corrected by pinching each terminal (at least only the terminal that has fallen is pinched from both sides).
[0008]
Also, The gap between the pair of flanges can be adjusted to a required dimension (for example, the maximum allowable fall value of the terminal or zero fall). Moreover, the clearance gap between a pair of collar parts can be adjusted freely, and it becomes possible to respond easily to terminals of various shapes and sizes. It goes without saying that the terminals can be held in the orthogonal direction by the pair of collars, and the terminal is tilted in the orthogonal direction by sandwiching the terminals.
[0009]
Claim 2 The terminal arrangement correcting jig according to claim 1 The terminal arrangement correcting jig described above is characterized in that a taper-shaped guide surface for the terminal is formed on the pair of flanges.
With the above configuration, when each terminal is inserted into the slit between the pair of flanges, the tapered guide surface smoothly guides each terminal into the slit. Alternatively, when the pair of hooks are opened to enter the terminals in the orthogonal direction, the pair of hooks smoothly enter without interfering with the terminals (the terminals are smoothly inserted between the pair of hooks). Inserted).
[0010]
Claim 3 The terminal arrangement correcting jig according to claim 1 or 2 The terminal arrangement correcting jig described above is characterized in that the pair of flanges are operated by an opening / closing drive means and a drive means for advancing and retracting in the terminal arrangement direction and / or the terminal longitudinal direction.
With the above configuration, the pair of hooks are opened / closed in the direction in which the terminals are arranged orthogonally by the opening / closing drive means, and advanced / retreated in the direction in which the terminals are arranged by the first advance / retreat driving means. Instead of the first advance / retreat drive means, the pair of collars may be advanced / retreated in the terminal longitudinal direction by the second advance / retreat drive means. It is also possible to move the pair of hooks up and down by the second advancing / retreating drive means and then advancing them in the terminal arrangement direction by the first advancing / retreating driving means. As a best mode, the pair of hooks are opened by the opening / closing driving means, and in this state, the pair of hooks are advanced by the first or second advance / retreat driving means to be positioned on both sides of each terminal, and then the opening / closing driving means It is preferable to close and correct the alignment, open the pair of ribs again, and move the head backward by the forward / backward driving means.
[0011]
Claim 4 The electrical connection box that can correct the terminal arrangement is Of the electrical junction box On the wall of the junction box body, claims 1 to 3 A portion through which the pair of flanges of the terminal arrangement correcting jig according to any one of the above is inserted is provided in the terminal array extending direction in the junction box body.
With the above configuration, each terminal arranged linearly in the junction box body by inserting a pair of flanges into the electrical junction box from a jig insertion portion such as a notch hole or a through hole in the wall portion of the junction box body. Can be corrected with a pair of buttocks. The insertion direction of the pair of hooks into the jig insertion portion of the junction box body may be inserted in the hook longitudinal direction from the tip of the hook, or may be inserted in the hook longitudinal orthogonal direction. Each terminal in the connection box body is inserted into the hole of the circuit board or connected smoothly and reliably to the terminal of the mating connector.
[0012]
Claim 5 The electrical connection box capable of correcting the terminal arrangement according to claim 4 In the electrical connection box capable of correcting the terminal arrangement, the terminals are tab-shaped and / or pin-shaped terminals, and at least the tab-shaped terminals are arranged in the plate width direction.
With the above configuration, the tab-shaped terminals are sandwiched in the plate thickness direction by the pair of collars, or only the terminals that have fallen are raised by the collars on the collapsed side and the alignment is corrected. In this way, the tilt correction in the thickness direction of the plurality of tab-shaped (flat-plate) terminals can be performed simultaneously with the pair of collars.
[0013]
The terminal arrangement correction method according to claim 6 is: A terminal arrangement correcting jig having a pair of flanges for correcting the positions of a plurality of linearly arranged terminals of the electrical junction box in the direction in which the terminals are arranged and orthogonal to each other, the pair of flanges being freely openable and closable in the terminal clamping direction The pair of hooks is opened to the maximum allowable dimension for terminal arrangement correction, and the linearly arranged terminals are inserted between the pair of hooks, thereby arranging the terminals in the pair of hooks. A terminal insertion method in which the terminal is initially inserted into the mating member in the corrected state, the pair of hooks are opened, the pair of hooks are detached from the terminals, and the terminal is completely inserted into the mating member. When the mating member is attached to the electrical junction box, the terminal arrangement is corrected by the pair of flanges. It is characterized by that.
With the above configuration, by inserting (inserting) each terminal between a pair of collars that are previously opened to a predetermined dimension (by positioning the pair of collars along both sides of each terminal in the orthogonal direction), The terminal collapse is corrected to the maximum allowable dimension. The maximum allowable dimension is a limit value that allows the terminal to fall, and if the terminal falls within the maximum allowable dimension, the terminal is inserted without being caught, for example, into the mating hole or the mating terminal. The pair of collars do not sandwich all the terminals, and only the terminals that have fallen down are corrected by falling in the sandwiching direction.
[0014]
Claim 7 The terminal arrangement correction method according to A terminal arrangement correcting jig having a pair of flanges for correcting the positions of a plurality of linearly arranged terminals of the electrical junction box in the direction in which the terminals are arranged and orthogonal to each other, the pair of flanges being freely openable and closable in the terminal clamping direction The pair of hooks are opened, the linearly arranged terminals are inserted between the pair of hooks, the pair of hooks are closed, and the terminals are arranged in the sandwiching direction. A terminal insertion method in which the terminal is initially inserted into the mating member in the corrected state, the pair of hooks are opened, the pair of hooks are detached from the terminals, and the terminal is completely inserted into the mating member. When the mating member is attached to the electrical junction box, the terminal arrangement is corrected by the pair of flanges. It is characterized by that.
With the above configuration, the pair of hooks are positioned in contact with each other in the direction orthogonal to the pair of terminals, and the pair of hooks move in the closing direction to straighten the fallen terminals. The closing amount of the pair of hooks may be closed until all the terminals are pressed against each other, or may be closed until the hooks are pressed against only the terminals that have fallen and the terminals are tilted to the maximum allowable dimension and corrected. The other party with the terminal straightened Side member It is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing the terminals from being damaged or the like, after that, it is preferable that the pair of flanges be opened and detached from each terminal.
[0015]
According to invention of Claim 6, 7, Each terminal is held down and corrected by a pair of buttocks, and in that state the other party Side member Is started and each terminal is connected to the other side. Element It is inserted smoothly and surely without being caught on the surface. Opponent Element Examples thereof include a connector having a mating terminal, a circuit board having a terminal insertion hole, and a circuit board including a connector. Since the pair of collars open when detached, there is no need to cause unnecessary sliding contact with each terminal. Even if the pair of buttocks are detached from each terminal, each terminal is on the other side Element Because it is initially inserted in the other party Element Each terminal is connected to the other side by pushing Element Fully inserted.
[0016]
Also, A pair of hooks are inserted from the jig insertion part of the connection box body, and the linearly arranged terminals in the connection box body are tilted and corrected by the pair of hook parts, and in this state, the counterpart unit is connected to each terminal. It is installed smoothly on the junction box body without interfering with the device. Since each terminal is initially inserted in the counterpart unit, each terminal is completely inserted into the counterpart unit by pushing the counterpart unit in the terminal longitudinal direction as it is.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1 to 11 show an embodiment of a terminal arrangement correcting jig, an electric connection box capable of correcting a terminal arrangement, a terminal arrangement correcting method, and a terminal insertion method according to the present invention.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 1, the electric junction box 1 includes a junction box main body 2 and a circuit board assembly (mating unit) 3 attached to the junction box main body 2.
[0019]
The junction box main body 2 includes a synthetic resin case (junction box body) 4, a plurality of wiring boards (not shown) housed in the case 4, and a fuse mounted on one end side of the case 4. A portion 5 and a substantially flat intermediate cover 7 made of synthetic resin and forming a bottom wall of the housing recess 6 of the case 4 are provided.
[0020]
A bus bar and electric wires are wired as a circuit on a wiring board (not shown), and a terminal for connecting a fuse following the bus bar protrudes into the fuse mounting portion 5 so that a fuse (not shown) can be attached and connected from the side. It has become. Further, a plurality of tab-shaped or pin-shaped male terminals 8 and 9 following the bus bar and the electric wires pass through the wide insertion portion of the intermediate cover 7 and protrude in a row in the accommodating recess 6. The male terminals 8 and 9 are arranged at an equal pitch for each type such as a tab shape or a pin shape, and protrude long in the vertical direction at the same height.
[0021]
The circuit board assembly 3 is formed in a main pattern on a horizontal insulating substrate 10 made of synthetic resin, a connector 11 erected on the surface of the insulating substrate 10, a connector housing 12 made of insulating resin, and the insulating substrate 10. It includes a printed circuit, surface-mounted electronic components, and the like, and functions as an electronic control unit for automobiles, for example. A circuit board 13 is constituted by the insulating substrate 10 and the circuit.
[0022]
The connector 11 is configured by accommodating a plurality of female terminals 15 (FIG. 7) having elastic contact pieces inside a horizontally long insulating resin housing 14 in a horizontal row, and each female terminal 15 is soldered to the circuit of the circuit board 13. It is connected by attaching. The other connector housing 12 accommodates a male terminal (not shown) on the side of the connection box main body 2 in the connector fitting chamber and constitutes a connector for connecting an external wire harness or the like.
[0023]
The insulating substrate 10 is provided with a male screw insertion hole, and the intermediate cover 7 is provided with a male screw screwing hole in the boss portion 16 for fixing the substrate. A plurality of male terminal insertion holes 17 (FIG. 7) are provided in a row in the insulating substrate 10 below the connector 11, and a wide slit (insertion portion) for male terminal insertion in the intermediate cover 7 corresponding to the terminal insertion holes 17. ) Having a male terminal supporting protrusion 18.
[0024]
The housing recess 6 of the case 4 is configured by being surrounded by walls 19 to 22 on all sides, and a substantially rectangular cutout hole in the wall 19 on the side opposite to the fuse mounting portion 5 in the direction in which the male terminals 8 and 9 are aligned and extended. 23 is provided, and the terminal arrangement correcting jig 24 can be inserted into the housing recess 6 through the cutout hole 23. The notch hole 23 functions as a jig insertion part. The electrical junction box 1 is characterized by having a notch hole 23 for inserting a terminal arrangement correcting jig 24.
[0025]
The protruding height of the male terminals 8 and 9 is higher than that of the wall portion 19 on the side of the notch hole 23 and is almost the same height as the side wall portions 20 and 21. After housing the circuit board assembly 3 on the housing recess 6 side of the case 4, a synthetic resin cover (not shown) is mounted.
[0026]
The terminal arrangement correcting jig 24 includes a pair of left and right horizontal straight elongate flange portions 25, and the base portion of each eave portion 25 is fixed to a rectangular block 26. The block 26 is, for example, a pneumatic chuck (not shown). It is fixed to an open / close arm (not shown) of a cylinder (open / close drive means).
[0027]
The chuck cylinder (not shown) is connected to a rod of an air type horizontal drive cylinder (advance / retreat drive means) that can advance and retreat, for example, and can advance and retreat in the terminal arrangement direction. The horizontal drive cylinder may be moved up and down in the height direction together with the chuck cylinder by an up-and-down drive means such as a vertical drive cylinder or a ball screw / motor. It is also possible to use forward and backward drive means such as a ball screw and a motor in place of the horizontal drive cylinder. Further, the chuck cylinder can be fixed, and the junction box main body 2 can be disposed on the rail so as to be freely advanced and retracted. A drive mechanism of the terminal arrangement correcting jig 24 will be described later.
[0028]
A terminal arrangement correcting device (not shown) is constituted by the pair of flange portions 25, the opening / closing drive means, the advance / retreat drive means in the terminal arrangement direction and / or the advance / retreat drive means in the terminal longitudinal direction (lifting direction). The circuit board assembly 3 can be automatically supplied into the case 4 by being lifted horizontally by, for example, suction means or gripping means.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, the horizontal drive cylinder is extended from the state where the pair of flanges 25 are opened to the left and right before the cutout holes 23 of the case 4, and the pair of flanges 25 are cut into the cutout holes 23 as shown in FIG. 2. To the case 4 to advance in the male terminal arrangement direction (arrow A direction). The pair of flanges 25 are positioned in a non-contact manner along the both sides of the male terminals 8 and 9 in the direction orthogonal to each other, that is, the tab-like terminals 8 along both sides of the plate thickness direction. The pair of flanges 25 are spaced apart on both sides of each male terminal 8, 9 with each male terminal 8, 9 as a boundary. As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of flange portions 25 are located from the protruding base side of the male terminals 8 and 9 to the middle in the longitudinal direction, and the tip side portions of the male terminals 8 and 9 protrude above the pair of flange portions 25. To do.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 4, when the pair of flanges 25 covers all the male terminals 8 and 9 (positioned in non-contact on both sides of all the male terminals), the pair of flanges 25 are closed by closing the chuck cylinder. Closes and pinches the male terminals 8 and 9 from both sides. This corrects the tilt (inclination) of the male terminals 8 and 9 in the direction orthogonal to each other, and all the male terminals 8 and 9 are positioned vertically. FIG. 5 shows a closed state of the pair of flange portions 25 corresponding to FIG. 2 to 5, the circuit board assembly 3 is not shown.
[0031]
The circuit board assembly 3 is assembled to the housing recess 6 of the case 4 as shown in FIGS. Since the male terminals 8 and 9 are aligned in a line without falling down by the pair of flange portions 25, they are smoothly inserted into the hole portions of the circuit board 13 without interference.
[0032]
When the male terminals 8 and 9 are inserted into the holes 17 of the circuit board 6, the chuck cylinder is opened to open the pair of flanges 25 as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, and then compress the horizontal drive cylinder. Then, the pair of flanges 25 are retracted in an open state.
[0033]
As shown in FIGS. 10 to 11, the male terminals 8 and 9 are connected to the connector 11 by pushing the circuit board assembly 3 downward in a state where the pair of flange portions 25 are pulled out from the cutout holes 23 of the case 4. It is inserted into the connector 11 accurately without any positional deviation, and reliably contacts the female terminal 15 in the connector 11 with an accurate contact pressure. The female terminal 15 (FIG. 11) is locked in the terminal accommodating chamber of the insulating resin housing 14 by a flexible locking lance 28. The circuit board assembly 3 is fastened and fixed to the boss portion 16 of the intermediate cover 7 with screws 29. The peripheral edge of the intermediate cover 7 is locked by a locking protrusion 30 in the case 4. A cover (not shown) is mounted on the case 4 from above the circuit board assembly 3 to complete the electrical junction box 1. It is possible to close the notch hole 23 with a part of the cover.
[0034]
The male terminals 8 and 9 are connected to the circuit board assembly 3 through the female terminals 15 and are connected to the power supply or load side from the connector 31 or the like through a circuit such as a bus bar in the case 4 or a fuse in the fuse mounting portion 5. It is connected to an external wire harness or the like (not shown).
[0035]
The completed electrical junction box 1 in FIG. 10 is paid out to the outside of the assembling apparatus, and the next junction box main body 2 (FIG. 1) is set in the assembling apparatus. , 9 are corrected.
[0036]
In the above-described embodiment, the pair of flanges 25 are allowed to enter the case 4 from the side in the horizontal direction, but from the top of the case 4 along the longitudinal direction of the male terminals 8, 9 from the terminal tip. You may make it make a pair of collar part 25 approach in the case 4 toward an edge. Also in this case, the case 4 has the same notch hole 23 as the previous example. Further, when the wall 19 around the housing recess 6 of the case 4 is high, a rectangular hole may be formed through the hole instead of the cutout hole 23. In that case, the approaching operation of the pair of flanges 25 into the case 4 is limited to the horizontal direction. The shape of the cutout hole 23 and the hole portion is not limited to a rectangular shape, and for example, when the cross section of the flange portion 25 is a semicircular shape, it may be a long hole.
[0037]
Further, the terminal arrangement correcting jig 24 and the terminal arrangement correcting method described above can be used for connecting the female terminals of the mating connector (mating unit) to the male terminals 8 and 9 on the circuit board other than the electrical connection box, The present invention can also be applied to a case where the male terminals 8 and 9 are inserted into a connector housing (mating unit) to constitute a connector.
[0038]
Further, a tapered guide surface (not shown) is provided on the inner side of the tip of the pair of flanges 25 so that the pair of flanges 25 can smoothly enter the male terminals 8 and 9 in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, a tapered guide surface (not shown) may be provided inside the lower ends of the pair of flanges 25 so that the vertical movement of the pair of flanges 25 with respect to the male terminals 8 and 9 can be performed smoothly. It is. In these cases, the opening distance of the pair of flange portions 25 can be set smaller than when no tapered guide surface is provided, and the notch holes 23 and the like can be reduced in size and the terminal arrangement can be corrected quickly. Can do.
[0039]
Moreover, although this embodiment described the arrangement | positioning correction | amendment of the terminals 8 and 9 in the middle of the assembly of the electrical junction box 1, for example, an external unit (a counterpart unit), an external connector, etc. It is also possible to use the terminal arrangement correcting jig or the terminal arrangement correcting method when connecting the (partner unit). Further, when the hole or slit of the male terminal insertion portion 18 of the intermediate cover 7 of FIG. 11 is narrow, the intermediate cover 7 can be smoothly mounted without being caught by the male terminals 8 and 9 using the terminal arrangement correcting jig. Can be done.
[0040]
Moreover, although the case where the arrangement | sequence of several male terminals 8 and 9 was corrected was described in the said embodiment, if the opening of a pair of collar part 25 is made larger than the above, several female terminals (not shown) will be shown. It is also possible to correct the alignment, and if each vertical board portion of the male terminal and the female terminal is held by the pair of flanges 25 at the same time, the arrangement of the male terminals and the female terminals in a row can be corrected simultaneously. Is also possible.
[0041]
Further, even when the aligned terminals 8 and 9 are not limited to a single line but are arranged in two lines via a step, for example, the pair of flanges 25 are bent in a crank shape to simultaneously correct the alignment of the terminals in the two lines. Can be done. In addition, if one of the pair of flanges 25 is provided with a plurality of correction convex portions that enter the gap in the arrangement direction of the terminals 8 and 9 at the same pitch as the terminals, the arrangement direction of the terminals 8 and 9 You can also correct the fall of.
[0042]
Further, for example, the terminal arrangement is corrected in the state that FIG. 1 is inverted by 90 °, that is, the male terminals 8 and 9 are positioned not horizontally but horizontally, and the pair of flanges 25 are arranged vertically rather than right and left. It is possible to correct the terminal arrangement, or to correct the terminal arrangement in a state where FIG. 1 is inverted by 180 ° (the male terminals 8 and 9 are vertically suspended below the junction box main body 2). It is also possible to attach the circuit board assembly 3 to the case 4 from the lower side of each male terminal 25 with the arrangement of the pair of flanges 25 as it is.
[0043]
Further, in the above embodiment, it has been proposed that each male terminal 8, 9 is sandwiched between a pair of flanges 25, but the size of the male terminal insertion hole 17 of the circuit board 13 and the elastic contact portion of the female terminal 15 in the connector 11. When the allowable bending allowance of 15a is large, it is not always necessary to sandwich the male terminals 8 and 9 between the pair of flanges 25, and the male terminals 8 and 9 that can be inserted into the male terminal insertion holes 17 and the female terminals 15 are not tilted. In order to satisfy the maximum allowable value, only the fallen male terminal is corrected almost vertically in either one of the pair of hooks 25, and the pair of hooks 25 is not brought into contact with the male terminal that is not fallen or weak. It is also possible to adjust the opening amount of the pair of flanges 25 with a stopper or the like of the chuck cylinder so as to make contact. Since the falling direction of the male terminals 8 and 9 (whether it falls to the right or to the left in the thickness direction) differs for each male terminal, the pair of left and right flanges 25 are essential. By making the opening amount of the pair of flange portions 25 adjustable, it is possible to deal with the terminals 8 and 9 having various dimensions (plate thickness and length).
[0044]
When the pair of flanges 25 cannot be opened and closed, the male terminals 8 and 9 are smoothly inserted into the pair of flanges 25 on the inner side or the lower end of the pair of flanges 25 in FIG. It is effective to form a tapered guide surface (not shown) for insertion into the guide. The straightness (correction accuracy) of each male terminal 8, 9 can be increased by making the pair of collars 25 openable and closable and sandwiching each male terminal 8, 9 between the pair of collars 25. Of course.
[0045]
12 to 13 show an embodiment of the drive mechanism (means) of the terminal arrangement correcting jig 24. FIG.
The base end portions of the pair of flange portions 25 are fixed to the respective blocks 26 ′. The left and right racks 32 in the horizontal direction are fixed to the respective blocks 26 ′, and the respective pinion gears 33 are engaged with the respective racks 32. Are engaged with each other, and a gear of a forward / reverse rotation motor 34 is connected to one gear 33, and both gears 33 are rotated in opposite directions by the rotation of the motor 34 to open and close each flange 25.
[0046]
Each rack 32 is slidably engaged with a horizontal groove 36 on the front wall of the frame 35, and a slider 37 is fixed to the bottom of the frame 35. The slider 37 is slidably engaged with a guide groove 39 in the front-rear direction of the base 38. The frame 35 is driven forward and backward on the base 38 by the horizontal cylinder 40.
[0047]
12 to 13 is merely an example. For example, the racks may be meshed before and after the gear of the motor 34, or a pair of hooks may be provided along one or two cams (not shown). It is also possible to slide-engage a follower (not shown) on the base end side of the portion 25. The advance / retreat cylinder 40 may be of a two-stage type so as to obtain a long stroke.
[0048]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the pair of collars corrects the tilt of the terminals in the orthogonal direction, and for example, the insertion of each terminal into the connector housing or the connection to the mating terminal in the connector. The insertion of each terminal and the insertion of each terminal into the terminal insertion hole of the circuit board are performed smoothly and accurately without being caught or interfered, and the terminal insertion quality and the reliability of electrical connection are improved.
[0049]
Ma The For example, the distance between the pair of hooks can be freely adjusted according to the terminals of various shapes and sizes, and versatility for various terminals can be improved.
[0050]
Claim 2 According to the described invention, the contact surfaces and the hooks of the terminals and the hooks are prevented by the guide surfaces of the pair of hooks, and the terminal arrangement correction is performed smoothly and reliably.
[0051]
Claim 3 According to the described invention, it is possible to automatically and efficiently and surely correct the arrangement of the terminals by opening / closing and advancing / retracting the pair of collars by the driving means.
[0052]
Claim 4 According to the described invention, since the jig insertion portion is provided in the junction box body, the arrangement of the terminals in, for example, the housing recess in the junction box body is changed to one direction of the collar portion (the longitudinal direction of the collar portion or the longitudinal portion of the collar portion). Correction can be made reliably and efficiently by the approaching operation in the (perpendicular direction), and the mating connector or the like can be smoothly and reliably connected to each terminal. Further, the shape of the collar portion may be linear, and the jig form is simplified and reduced in cost.
[0053]
Claim 5 According to the described invention, it is possible to simultaneously perform the tilt correction of the plurality of tab-shaped (flat-plate) terminals in the plate thickness direction with the pair of flange portions. The shape of the pair of brim portions only needs to have portions in contact with both sides of the tab terminal. For example, it can be a simple shape such as a straight pin, and the jig form is simplified and reduced in cost.
[0054]
Claim 6 According to the described invention, only the terminals are inserted into the pair of flanges. One By the operation, the terminal fall can be corrected quickly and efficiently. For example, a mating unit such as a connector can be reliably connected to each terminal of the wire connection box.
[0055]
Claim 7 According to the described invention, by pinching each terminal together with a pair of flanges, for example, the falling of the terminal can be accurately corrected. Side member The insertability and connectivity of the terminal with respect to is improved.
[0056]
Claim 6,7 According to the described invention, for example, the other side including a connector, a circuit board, etc. Element Smoothly and surely engage with each terminal Element Assembling performance is improved. In addition, since the pair of hooks open when detached, it is possible to prevent damage due to sliding contact of each terminal and occurrence of falling in the separating direction.
[0057]
Also, The other side to the electrical junction box Element Can be smoothly and reliably installed efficiently, and the assembling property of the electric junction box and the assembling property of the external unit to the electric junction box are improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a terminal arrangement correcting jig and an electric junction box capable of correcting terminal arrangement, and a first step of a terminal arrangement correcting method and a terminal inserting method according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second step of a terminal arrangement correction method and a terminal insertion method.
FIG. 3 is a front view of an essential part, partly showing a second process, having a longitudinal section.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a third step of the terminal arrangement correcting method and the terminal inserting method.
FIG. 5 is a front view of an essential part, partly showing a third step, having a longitudinal section.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a fourth step of the terminal arrangement correcting method and the terminal inserting method.
FIG. 7 is a front view of an essential part, partly showing a fourth step, having a longitudinal section.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a fifth step of the terminal arrangement correcting method and the terminal inserting method.
FIG. 9 is a front view of an essential part, partly showing a fifth step, having a longitudinal section.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a sixth step of the terminal arrangement correcting method and the terminal inserting method.
FIG. 11 is a front view of an essential part having a longitudinal section partially showing the sixth step.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of driving means for the terminal arrangement correcting jig.
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the main part of the driving means of the terminal arrangement correcting jig.
FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing one embodiment of a conventional electrical junction box.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Electrical junction box
2 Junction box body
8,9 Male terminal (terminal)
19 Wall
23 Notch hole (insertion part)
24 Terminal arrangement correction jig
25 Buttocks

Claims

A terminal arrangement correcting jig comprising a pair of hooks for correcting the position of a plurality of linearly arranged terminals in a direction orthogonal to the terminal arrangement , the pair of hooks being openable and closable in a terminal pinching direction, The linearly arranged terminals are inserted between the pair of collars, the pair of collars are closed, and the terminals are arranged and corrected in the sandwiching direction with the pair of collars. Then, the terminal is initially inserted into the mating member, the pair of hooks are opened, the pair of hooks are detached from the terminals, and the terminals are completely inserted into the mating member. A terminal arrangement correction jig , wherein the terminal arrangement correction is performed by the pair of flanges when the mating member is attached to the connection box .

Wherein the pair of rod portions, pins correcting jig according to claim 1, wherein the tapered guide surface is formed for the terminal.

The pair of rod portions are a close drive means, pins correcting jig according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is operated by the advancing drive means in the terminal arrangement direction and / or terminal longitudinal direction.

A portion through which the pair of flanges of the terminal arrangement correcting jig according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is inserted into the wall portion of the junction box body of the electrical junction box is the terminal in the junction box body. An electrical connection box capable of correcting terminal arrangements, characterized in that it is provided in the arrangement extension direction.

The electrical connection box according to claim 4, wherein the terminals are tab-shaped and / or pin-shaped terminals, and at least the tab-shaped terminals are arranged in the plate width direction.

A terminal arrangement correcting jig is provided that has a pair of flanges that correct the positions of a plurality of linearly arranged terminals of the electrical junction box in the direction in which the terminals are arranged and orthogonal to each other, and the pair of flanges can be opened and closed in the terminal pinching direction. The pair of collars is opened to the maximum allowable dimension for terminal arrangement correction, and the linearly arranged terminals are inserted between the pair of collars, thereby arranging the terminals in the pair of collars. A terminal insertion method in which the terminal is initially inserted into the mating member in the corrected state, the pair of hooks are opened, the pair of hooks are detached from the terminals, and the terminal is completely inserted into the mating member. The terminal insertion method is characterized in that when the mating member is attached to the electrical junction box, the terminal arrangement is corrected by the pair of collars.

A terminal arrangement correcting jig is provided that has a pair of flanges that correct the positions of a plurality of linearly arranged terminals of the electrical junction box in the direction in which the terminals are arranged and orthogonal to each other, and the pair of flanges can be opened and closed in the terminal pinching direction. The pair of hooks are opened, the linearly arranged terminals are inserted between the pair of hooks, the pair of hooks are closed, and the terminals are arranged in the sandwiching direction. A terminal insertion method in which the terminal is initially inserted into the mating member in the corrected state, the pair of hooks are opened, the pair of hooks are detached from the terminals, and the terminal is completely inserted into the mating member. The terminal insertion method is characterized in that when the mating member is attached to the electrical junction box, the terminal arrangement is corrected by the pair of collars.