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EP1225661B1 - Device for feeding connectors and crimping station comprising such device - Google Patents

Device for feeding connectors and crimping station comprising such device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1225661B1
EP1225661B1 EP02001087A EP02001087A EP1225661B1 EP 1225661 B1 EP1225661 B1 EP 1225661B1 EP 02001087 A EP02001087 A EP 02001087A EP 02001087 A EP02001087 A EP 02001087A EP 1225661 B1 EP1225661 B1 EP 1225661B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crimping
comb
flexible circuit
contacts
modules
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP02001087A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1225661A1 (en
Inventor
Flavio M. Fantini
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
FCI SA
Original Assignee
FCI SA
Framatome Connectors International SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FCI SA, Framatome Connectors International SAS filed Critical FCI SA
Publication of EP1225661A1 publication Critical patent/EP1225661A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1225661B1 publication Critical patent/EP1225661B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/04—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for forming connections by deformation, e.g. crimping tool
    • H01R43/048—Crimping apparatus or processes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/50—Fixed connections
    • H01R12/59—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures
    • H01R12/65—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal
    • H01R12/67—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals
    • H01R12/68—Fixed connections for flexible printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables or like structures characterised by the terminal insulation penetrating terminals comprising deformable portions
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49208—Contact or terminal manufacturing by assembling plural parts
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
    • Y10T29/532—Conductor
    • Y10T29/53209—Terminal or connector
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
    • Y10T29/532—Conductor
    • Y10T29/53209—Terminal or connector
    • Y10T29/53213—Assembled to wire-type conductor
    • Y10T29/53217—Means to simultaneously assemble multiple, independent conductors to terminal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
    • Y10T29/532—Conductor
    • Y10T29/53209—Terminal or connector
    • Y10T29/53213—Assembled to wire-type conductor
    • Y10T29/53222—Means comprising hand-manipulatable implement
    • Y10T29/53226—Fastening by deformation
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
    • Y10T29/53252—Means to simultaneously fasten three or more parts
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
    • Y10T29/53257—Means comprising hand-manipulatable implement
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
    • Y10T29/5327—Means to fasten by deforming

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for supplying connector modules to a crimping station and a crimping station for contacts on flexible circuits, in particular adapted for assembling and producing flexible circuit beams provided with connectors.
  • the flexible circuits are electrical circuits comprising an insulating sheet on which conductive tracks are deposited, these tracks themselves being optionally covered with a second insulating protective sheet.
  • connection of such circuits to electrical contacts is done in particular by a technique of piercing insulation and crimping and it is known to use for this purpose contacts provided with a crimping end having spikes arranged in a ring and oriented perpendicular to the flexible circuit to be connected.
  • the document US 4,749,368 describes in particular the production of contact elements and component connection provided with connection points arranged in a ring.
  • the document GB 915,566 discloses a contact supply device comprising an element at the end of an arm itself secured to an operating device, this element carrying the drive contacts to a treatment station.
  • the crimping of the contacts on the flexible circuit is carried out traditionally by arranging the contacts under the flexible circuit facing the conductive tracks of the flexible circuit and then crimping the contacts on the flexible circuit.
  • a crimping method using pins for crimping contacts on a flexible circuit is for example described in the document " SAE technical paper series 870553 Flex Foil Crimp Technology - International Congress and Exhibition Detroit Michigan February 23 - 27, 1987 .
  • the diameter of the rings and tracks of the flexible circuit is of the order of one millimeter for circuits and contacts intended to convey currents of the order of a few amperes. High accuracy of the position of the contacts relative to the flexible circuit is necessary.
  • the device which is the subject of the present invention is suitable for preparing for crimping connectors provided with a plurality of contacts.
  • the contacts comprise on the one hand a connection termination to a flexible circuit and on the other hand comprise a connection termination with a complementary contact, the contacts and the flexible circuit being received in an insulating housing provided with an open zone releasing the crimping zone of the contacts on the flexible circuit above and below the crimping zone.
  • a device comprising an anvil forming a lower bearing surface for the electrical contact elements and a mobile press device provided with a block whose surface parallel to the contact alignment plane comprises a plurality of crimping dies.
  • the flexible circuit is then positioned on the pallets and the block applied by the press on the flexible circuit, each of the matrices strongly locally applying the flexible circuit on the tips so as to pierce the flexible circuit and then arching the tips which thus crimp the pallets on the flexible circuit and make the electrical connection between the contacts and the tracks of the flexible circuit.
  • the invention proposes to produce a device according to claim 1.
  • the pallets provided with the crimping tips of each contact are prepositioned both longitudinally and laterally during the transport of the connectors towards the crimping station in order to ensure precise alignment between the conductive tracks of the flexible circuit and the crimping crowns.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for connectors of the type provided with a window of clearance of the crimping zone and further provided with a retaining flap of the flexible circuit in the form of an open frame.
  • the comb is adapted to be introduced between the branches of the frame.
  • a connector 20 adapted for crimping on a flexible circuit 40.
  • the connector 20 is provided with a plurality of contacts 10.
  • the contacts comprise on the one hand a termination of connection to a flexible circuit 40, this termination comprising a pallet 13 provided with spikes 11 arranged in a ring 12, the tips being constituted by a cross punching of the pallet and then a stamping of the pallet folding the tips and releasing a circular hole 14 forming the crown 12.
  • the contacts further comprise a termination 15 of connection with a complementary contact, the contacts and the flexible circuit being received in an insulating housing 21 provided with an open zone 22 clearing the crimping zone of the contacts on the flexible circuit above and below the crimping area.
  • General view 5 discloses a simultaneous crimping machine or station on a flexible circuit of electrical contact elements aligned in a plane and disposed in a connector housing.
  • the device visible in FIG. 5 comprises on the one hand an anvil 50 forming a lower bearing surface for the electrical contact elements 10, the crimping device comprising on the other hand a mobile press device 9 provided with a block 1 whose surface parallel to the contact alignment plane comprises a plurality of crimping dies.
  • the press 9 further comprises an organ 126 holding the connector housing during crimping.
  • the anvil 50 disposed under the pallets 13 may comprise at least one positioning element 51 and advantageously two positioning elements arranged facing crowns of two contacts disposed at each end of the flexible circuit 40, each positioning element being introduced into a hole circular of a crown.
  • the flexible circuit 40 is then positioned on the pallets 13 and the block is applied by the press to the flexible circuit, the pallets being in abutment on the anvil 50, each of the matrices 3 strongly locally applying the flexible circuit 40 to the tips 11 so as to pierce the flexible circuit and the tracks 41 and then arching the tips which thus crimp the pallets on the flexible circuit and make the electrical connection between the contacts 10 and the conductive tracks 41 of the flexible circuit.
  • the anvil and press assembly provided with the crimping unit thus constitutes a crimping station.
  • the connectors can be arranged on a carrier strip 60, these connectors being snapped onto the carrier strip and supplied in rolls, a device for feeding the crimping station then comprises a continuous unwinding station 121.
  • the station will comprise, after the unwinding station, a device for detaching the connectors of the carrier strip and a device 100 for supplying the unitary connectors to the crimping station.
  • the visible delivery device in FIG. 3A is provided with a comb 101 visible in FIG. 3B disposed at the end of an arm 102, perpendicular to this arm itself secured to an operating device 103.
  • actuator 103 may combine a jack 129 actuated in the vertical direction and a jack operating in the horizontal direction or other actuating means such as electric motors acting on a vertical rack system and a horizontal rack system.
  • the comb comprises lamellae 104 for holding and realigning the pallets 13.
  • the pallets provided with the crimping tips of each contact are prepositioned both longitudinally and laterally.
  • the pallets 13 are maintained to ensure precise alignment between the conductive tracks 41 of the flexible circuit and the crimping rings.
  • the invention is particularly suitable for connectors of the type provided with a window of clearance of the crimping zone and further provided with a flap 28 for retaining the flexible circuit.
  • the flap may comprise a frame connected by a hinge 23 to the connector housing receiving the contacts.
  • the frame makes it possible to carry out the crimping operation through the flap 28, the shutter being closed again after the crimping operation, this flap 28 comprising a rear branch provided with one or more support and setting bosses 25. pressure of the flexible circuit to isolate and protect the crimping area from possible stresses applied to the flexible circuit outside the connector.
  • the comb carried by its arm catches the pallets 13 through the frame formed by the flap 28.
  • the retention of the connector modules on the carrier strip may be provided by clipping pins 30 provided with lugs 31 clinging into holes in the carrier strip, these pins shown in FIG. 1 are arranged on tabs 32 protruding from the body of the module in a direction parallel to the carrier strip.
  • a cutting device 127 tabs 32, 33 At the feed station of the connector is provided a cutting device 127 tabs 32, 33 so as to separate the modules of the band at this station.
  • FIGS. 4A to 4D The operation of the feeding device is described in FIGS. 4A to 4D.
  • a first step as can be seen in FIG. 4A, the arm 102 is retracted towards the rear and the jack or the vertical drive device 129 moves the arm and thus the comb 101 into the frame until the plates 104 of the The connector is thus held in place while the cutting device 127 intersects the tabs 32, 33 and thus releases the connector of the carrier strip which projects towards the bottom of the cutting station.
  • the arm is moved horizontally and extends forwardly by sliding the connector on a belt 130 to the crimping station.
  • a not shown holding device then holds the connector while the arm rises under the action of the cylinder 129.
  • the arm retracts and returns to its standby position visible in Figure 4D to receive a new connector while the flexible circuit 40 is brought on the pallets to allow the crimping operation.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electrical Connectors (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)

Abstract

The machine for handling connector modules includes an operating arm carrying a comb at the remote end, the comb being arranged to pick up and move the connector modules. The machine for conveying connector modules between two module processing stations comprises a comb (101) situated at the end of an arm (102) which is itself attached to an manoeuvring system (103). The comb comprise lamellae for holding and re-aligning the palettes which are solidly attached to the contacts. The comb carries out the movement of the modules between the processing stations. The machine also includes a belt on which the modules move towards the processing station.

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'amenée de modules connecteurs vers un poste de sertissage et une station de sertissage de contacts sur circuits souples notamment adaptée à l'assemblage et la réalisation de faisceaux de circuits souples munis de connecteurs.The invention relates to a device for supplying connector modules to a crimping station and a crimping station for contacts on flexible circuits, in particular adapted for assembling and producing flexible circuit beams provided with connectors.

Les circuits souples sont des circuits électriques comportant une feuille isolante sur laquelle sont déposées des pistes conductrices, ces pistes étant elles mêmes éventuellement recouverte d'une seconde feuille isolante de protection.The flexible circuits are electrical circuits comprising an insulating sheet on which conductive tracks are deposited, these tracks themselves being optionally covered with a second insulating protective sheet.

Le raccordement de tels circuits à des contacts électriques se fait notamment par une technique de percement d'isolant et de sertissage et il est connu d'utiliser pour ce faire des contacts munis d'une terminaison de sertissage comportant des pointes disposées en couronne et orientées perpendiculairement au circuit souple à raccorder. Le document US 4 749 368 décrit notamment la réalisation d'éléments de contact et de raccordement de composants munis de pointes de connexion disposées en couronne.The connection of such circuits to electrical contacts is done in particular by a technique of piercing insulation and crimping and it is known to use for this purpose contacts provided with a crimping end having spikes arranged in a ring and oriented perpendicular to the flexible circuit to be connected. The document US 4,749,368 describes in particular the production of contact elements and component connection provided with connection points arranged in a ring.

Le document GB 915 566 décrit un dispositif d'amenée de contacts comportant un élément à l'extrémité d'un bras lui-même solidaire d'un dispositif de manoeuvre, cet élément réalisant l'entraînement des contacts vers un poste de traitement.The document GB 915,566 discloses a contact supply device comprising an element at the end of an arm itself secured to an operating device, this element carrying the drive contacts to a treatment station.

Le sertissage des contacts sur le circuit souple s'effectue traditionnellement en disposant les contacts sous le circuit souple en regard des pistes conductrices du circuit souple puis en sertissant les contacts sur le circuit souple. Afin de garantir un sertissage correct des contacts sur le circuit souple il y a lieu de garantir un alignement correct des contacts par rapport au circuit souple. Notamment pour un connecteur muni d'une pluralité de contacts il est nécessaire de garantir un alignement des pointes de sertissage avec les pistes conductrices du circuit souple et de positionner correctement les pointes de sertissage par exemple organisées en couronnes par rapport aux matrices de sertissage.The crimping of the contacts on the flexible circuit is carried out traditionally by arranging the contacts under the flexible circuit facing the conductive tracks of the flexible circuit and then crimping the contacts on the flexible circuit. In order to guarantee correct crimping of the contacts on the flexible circuit, it is necessary to guarantee a correct alignment of the contacts with respect to the flexible circuit. In particular, for a connector provided with a plurality of contacts, it is necessary to guarantee alignment of the crimping tips with the conductive tracks of the flexible circuit and to correctly position the crimping tips, for example arranged in rings relative to the crimping dies.

Un procédé de sertissage utilisant des broches venant sertir des contacts sur un circuit souple est par exemple décrit dans le document " SAE technical paper series 870553 Flex foil crimp technology - International Congress and Exposition Detroit Michigan 23 - 27 février 1987 .A crimping method using pins for crimping contacts on a flexible circuit is for example described in the document " SAE technical paper series 870553 Flex Foil Crimp Technology - International Congress and Exhibition Detroit Michigan February 23 - 27, 1987 .

Le diamètre des couronnes et des pistes du circuit souple est de l'ordre du millimètre pour des circuits et des contacts destinés à véhiculer des courants de l'ordre de quelques Ampères. Une grande précision de la position des contacts par rapport au circuit souple est donc nécessaire.The diameter of the rings and tracks of the flexible circuit is of the order of one millimeter for circuits and contacts intended to convey currents of the order of a few amperes. High accuracy of the position of the contacts relative to the flexible circuit is necessary.

Le dispositif objet de la présente invention est adapté pour la préparation en vue de leur sertissage de connecteurs munis d'une pluralité de contacts. Dans ce type de connecteur les contacts comportent d'une part une terminaison de raccordement à un circuit souple et comportent d'autre part une terminaison de connexion avec un contact complémentaires, les contacts et le circuit souple étant reçus dans un boîtier isolant muni d'une zone ouverte dégageant la zone de sertissage des contacts sur le circuit souple au dessus et au dessous de la zone de sertissage.The device which is the subject of the present invention is suitable for preparing for crimping connectors provided with a plurality of contacts. In this type of connector the contacts comprise on the one hand a connection termination to a flexible circuit and on the other hand comprise a connection termination with a complementary contact, the contacts and the flexible circuit being received in an insulating housing provided with an open zone releasing the crimping zone of the contacts on the flexible circuit above and below the crimping zone.

Pour sertir les contacts est utilisé un dispositif comportant une enclume formant une surface d'appui inférieure pour les éléments de contact électriques et un dispositif mobile de presse muni d'un bloc dont la surface parallèle au plan d'alignement des contacts comporte une pluralité de matrices de sertissage.To crimp the contacts is used a device comprising an anvil forming a lower bearing surface for the electrical contact elements and a mobile press device provided with a block whose surface parallel to the contact alignment plane comprises a plurality of crimping dies.

Le circuit souple est alors positionné sur les palettes et le bloc appliqué par la presse sur le circuit souple, chacune des matrices appliquant fortement localement le circuit souple sur les pointes de façon à percer le circuit souple puis à cambrer les pointes qui viennent ainsi sertir les palettes sur le circuit souple et effectuer la liaison électrique entre les contacts et les pistes du circuit souple.The flexible circuit is then positioned on the pallets and the block applied by the press on the flexible circuit, each of the matrices strongly locally applying the flexible circuit on the tips so as to pierce the flexible circuit and then arching the tips which thus crimp the pallets on the flexible circuit and make the electrical connection between the contacts and the tracks of the flexible circuit.

En vue de réaliser une station de sertissage automatique complète, l'invention propose de réaliser un dispositif selon la revendication 1.With a view to producing a complete automatic crimping station, the invention proposes to produce a device according to claim 1.

Ainsi simultanément au déplacement des modules, les palettes munies des pointes de sertissages de chaque contact sont prépositionnées aussi bien longitudinalement que latéralement pendant le transport des connecteurs vers le poste de sertissage afin d'assurer un alignement précis entre les pistes conductrices du circuit souple et les couronnes de sertissage.Thus, simultaneously with the displacement of the modules, the pallets provided with the crimping tips of each contact are prepositioned both longitudinally and laterally during the transport of the connectors towards the crimping station in order to ensure precise alignment between the conductive tracks of the flexible circuit and the crimping crowns.

L'invention est notamment adaptée à des connecteurs du type munis d'une fenêtre de dégagement de la zone de sertissage et munis en outre d'un volet de rétention du circuit souple en forme de cadre ouvert. Le peigne est adapté pour être introduit entre les branches du cadre.The invention is particularly suitable for connectors of the type provided with a window of clearance of the crimping zone and further provided with a retaining flap of the flexible circuit in the form of an open frame. The comb is adapted to be introduced between the branches of the frame.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre d'un exemple de réalisation non limitatif en référence aux figures qui représentent:

  • En figure 1 un exemple de module de connecteur pour circuit souple auquel l'invention est applicable;
  • En figures 2A et 2B des exemples de contacts pouvant être sertis sur circuit souple;
  • En figure 3A une vue générale d'un dispositif d'amenée de modules connecteurs conforme à l'invention;
  • En figure 3B un élément de détail de la figure 3A;
  • En figure 4A à 4D divers étapes de fonctionnement du dispositif selon l'invention;
  • En figure 5 une vue d'ensemble d'une machine de sertissage utilisant un dispositif selon l'invention;
  • En figure 6 une vue schématique de connecteurs sur bande porteuse.
The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment with reference to the figures which represent:
  • In Figure 1 an example of a connector module for a flexible circuit to which the invention is applicable;
  • In FIGS. 2A and 2B examples of contacts that can be crimped on a flexible circuit;
  • In FIG. 3A, a general view of a device for supplying connector modules according to the invention;
  • In Figure 3B a detail element of Figure 3A;
  • In FIGS. 4A to 4D various operating steps of the device according to the invention;
  • In Figure 5 an overview of a crimping machine using a device according to the invention;
  • In Figure 6 a schematic view of connectors on carrier tape.

Selon la figure 1 est décrit un connecteur 20 adapté pour son sertissage sur un circuit souple 40. Le connecteur 20 est muni d'une pluralité de contacts 10. Dans ce type de connecteur les contacts comportent d'une part une terminaison de raccordement à un circuit souple 40, cette terminaison comportant une palette 13 munie de pointes 11 disposées en couronne 12, les pointes étant constituées par un poinçonnage en croix de la palette puis un emboutissage de la palette repliant les pointes et dégageant un trou circulaire 14 formant la couronne 12.According to Figure 1 is described a connector 20 adapted for crimping on a flexible circuit 40. The connector 20 is provided with a plurality of contacts 10. In this type of connector the contacts comprise on the one hand a termination of connection to a flexible circuit 40, this termination comprising a pallet 13 provided with spikes 11 arranged in a ring 12, the tips being constituted by a cross punching of the pallet and then a stamping of the pallet folding the tips and releasing a circular hole 14 forming the crown 12.

Les contacts comportent d'autre part une terminaison 15 de connexion avec un contact complémentaire, les contacts et le circuit souple étant reçus dans un boîtier isolant 21 muni d'une zone ouverte 22 dégageant la zone de sertissage des contacts sur le circuit souple au dessus et au dessous de la zone de sertissage.The contacts further comprise a termination 15 of connection with a complementary contact, the contacts and the flexible circuit being received in an insulating housing 21 provided with an open zone 22 clearing the crimping zone of the contacts on the flexible circuit above and below the crimping area.

La vue générale 5 décrit une machine ou poste de sertissage simultané sur un circuit souple d'éléments de contact électriques alignés dans un plan et disposés dans un boîtier de connecteur.General view 5 discloses a simultaneous crimping machine or station on a flexible circuit of electrical contact elements aligned in a plane and disposed in a connector housing.

Pour sertir les contacts le dispositif visible en figure 5 comporte d'une part une enclume 50 formant une surface d'appui inférieure pour les éléments de contact électrique 10, le dispositif de sertissage comportant d'autre part un dispositif mobile de presse 9 muni d'un bloc 1 dont la surface parallèle au plan d'alignement des contacts comporte une pluralité de matrices de sertissage. La presse 9 comporte en outre un organe 126 de maintien du boîtier de connecteur pendant le sertissage.To crimp the contacts, the device visible in FIG. 5 comprises on the one hand an anvil 50 forming a lower bearing surface for the electrical contact elements 10, the crimping device comprising on the other hand a mobile press device 9 provided with a block 1 whose surface parallel to the contact alignment plane comprises a plurality of crimping dies. The press 9 further comprises an organ 126 holding the connector housing during crimping.

L'enclume 50 disposée sous les palettes 13 peut comporter au moins un élément de positionnement 51 et avantageusement deux éléments de positionnement disposés en regard de couronnes de deux contacts disposés à chaque extrémité du circuit souple 40, chaque élément de positionnement étant introduit dans un trou circulaire d'une couronne.The anvil 50 disposed under the pallets 13 may comprise at least one positioning element 51 and advantageously two positioning elements arranged facing crowns of two contacts disposed at each end of the flexible circuit 40, each positioning element being introduced into a hole circular of a crown.

Le circuit souple 40 est alors positionné sur les palettes 13 et le bloc est appliqué par la presse sur le circuit souple, les palettes étant en appui sur l'enclume 50, chacune des matrices 3 appliquant fortement localement le circuit souple 40 sur les pointes 11 de façon à percer le circuit souple et les pistes 41 puis à cambrer les pointes qui viennent ainsi sertir les palettes sur le circuit souple et effectuer la liaison électrique entre les contacts 10 et les pistes conductrices 41 du circuit souple.The flexible circuit 40 is then positioned on the pallets 13 and the block is applied by the press to the flexible circuit, the pallets being in abutment on the anvil 50, each of the matrices 3 strongly locally applying the flexible circuit 40 to the tips 11 so as to pierce the flexible circuit and the tracks 41 and then arching the tips which thus crimp the pallets on the flexible circuit and make the electrical connection between the contacts 10 and the conductive tracks 41 of the flexible circuit.

L'ensemble enclume et presse munie du bloc de sertissage constitue ainsi un poste de sertissage.The anvil and press assembly provided with the crimping unit thus constitutes a crimping station.

De façon à réaliser une station automatique de sertissage automatique complète comportant un poste de sertissage il est nécessaire de prévoir un dispositif automatisé d'amenée 100 de ces connecteurs avec leurs contacts prémontés.In order to realize a complete automatic crimping station including a crimping station it is necessary to provide an automated device 100 feed these connectors with their pre-assembled contacts.

Comme visible en figure 6, les connecteurs peuvent être disposés sur une bande porteuse 60, ces connecteurs étant encliquetés sur la bande porteuse et fournis en rouleaux, un dispositif d'alimentation de la station de sertissage comporte alors un poste de déroulage en continu 121.As can be seen in FIG. 6, the connectors can be arranged on a carrier strip 60, these connectors being snapped onto the carrier strip and supplied in rolls, a device for feeding the crimping station then comprises a continuous unwinding station 121.

Dans le cas où les connecteurs sont disposés sur une bande porteuse 60 la station comportera, après le poste de déroulage, un dispositif de désolidarisation des connecteurs de la bande porteuse et un dispositif d'amenée 100 des connecteurs unitaires vers le poste de sertissage.In the case where the connectors are arranged on a carrier strip 60 the station will comprise, after the unwinding station, a device for detaching the connectors of the carrier strip and a device 100 for supplying the unitary connectors to the crimping station.

Plus précisément le dispositif d'amenée visible en figure 3A est pourvu d'un peigne 101 visible en figure 3B disposé à l'extrémité d'un bras 102, perpendiculairement à ce bras lui même solidaire d'un dispositif de manoeuvre 103. Le dispositif de manoeuvre 103 peut combiner un vérin 129 actionné dans le sens vertical et un vérin fonctionnant dans le sens horizontal ou d'autre moyens d'actionnement tels des moteurs électriques agissant sur un système de crémaillère verticale et un système de crémaillère horizontale.More specifically, the visible delivery device in FIG. 3A is provided with a comb 101 visible in FIG. 3B disposed at the end of an arm 102, perpendicular to this arm itself secured to an operating device 103. actuator 103 may combine a jack 129 actuated in the vertical direction and a jack operating in the horizontal direction or other actuating means such as electric motors acting on a vertical rack system and a horizontal rack system.

Pour attraper le connecteur 20, le peigne comporte des lamelles 104 de maintien et de réalignement des palettes 13. Ainsi, lorsque le bras descend et attrape le connecteur les palettes munies des pointes de sertissages de chaque contact sont prépositionnées aussi bien longitudinalement que latéralement. De même, pendant le transport des connecteurs vers le poste de sertissage les palettes 13 sont maintenues afin d'assurer un alignement précis entre les pistes conductrices 41 du circuit souple et les couronnes de sertissage.To catch the connector 20, the comb comprises lamellae 104 for holding and realigning the pallets 13. Thus, when the arm moves down and catches the connector, the pallets provided with the crimping tips of each contact are prepositioned both longitudinally and laterally. Similarly, during transportation of the connectors to the crimping station the pallets 13 are maintained to ensure precise alignment between the conductive tracks 41 of the flexible circuit and the crimping rings.

L'invention est notamment adaptée à des connecteurs du type munis d'une fenêtre de dégagement de la zone de sertissage et munis en outre d'un volet 28 de rétention du circuit souple.The invention is particularly suitable for connectors of the type provided with a window of clearance of the crimping zone and further provided with a flap 28 for retaining the flexible circuit.

Le volet peut comporter un cadre relié par une charnière 23 au boîtier de connecteur recevant les contacts.The flap may comprise a frame connected by a hinge 23 to the connector housing receiving the contacts.

Le cadre permet d'effectuer l'opération de sertissage au travers du volet 28, le volet étant refermé après l'opération de sertissage, ce volet 28 comportant une branche arrière munie d'un ou plusieurs bossages 25 d'appui et de mise en pression du circuit souple pour isoler et protéger la zone de sertissage d'éventuelles contraintes appliquées sur le circuit souple en dehors du connecteur.The frame makes it possible to carry out the crimping operation through the flap 28, the shutter being closed again after the crimping operation, this flap 28 comprising a rear branch provided with one or more support and setting bosses 25. pressure of the flexible circuit to isolate and protect the crimping area from possible stresses applied to the flexible circuit outside the connector.

Comme visible en figure 4A, le peigne porté par son bras vient attraper les palettes 13 au travers du cadre formé par le volet 28.As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the comb carried by its arm catches the pallets 13 through the frame formed by the flap 28.

La rétention des modules de connecteurs sur la bande porteuse peut être assurée par des pions de clipsage 30 munis d'ergots 31 s'accrochant dans des trous de la bande porteuse, ces pions visibles en figure 1 sont disposés sur des pattes 32 dépassant du corps du module dans une direction parallèle à la bande porteuse.The retention of the connector modules on the carrier strip may be provided by clipping pins 30 provided with lugs 31 clinging into holes in the carrier strip, these pins shown in FIG. 1 are arranged on tabs 32 protruding from the body of the module in a direction parallel to the carrier strip.

Au niveau du poste d'amenée du connecteur est prévu un dispositif de coupe 127 des pattes 32, 33 de façon à désolidariser les modules de la bande au niveau de ce poste.At the feed station of the connector is provided a cutting device 127 tabs 32, 33 so as to separate the modules of the band at this station.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif d'amenée est décrit en figures 4A à 4D.The operation of the feeding device is described in FIGS. 4A to 4D.

Dans un premier temps comme visible en figure 4A, le bras 102 est rétracté vers l'arrière et le vérin ou le dispositif de motorisation verticale 129 fait descendre le bras et donc le peigne 101 dans le cadre jusqu'à ce que les lamelles 104 du peigne s'intercalent entre les palettes 13. Le connecteur est ainsi maintenu en place pendant que le dispositif de coupe 127 coupe les pattes 32, 33 et libère ainsi le connecteur de la bande porteuse qui ressort vers le bas du poste de coupe.In a first step, as can be seen in FIG. 4A, the arm 102 is retracted towards the rear and the jack or the vertical drive device 129 moves the arm and thus the comb 101 into the frame until the plates 104 of the The connector is thus held in place while the cutting device 127 intersects the tabs 32, 33 and thus releases the connector of the carrier strip which projects towards the bottom of the cutting station.

Comme visible en figure 4B le bras est déplacé horizontalement et s'étend vers l'avant déplaçant par glissement le connecteur sur un tapis 130 jusqu'au poste de sertissage. Un dispositif de maintien non représenté vient alors retenir le connecteur pendant que le bras remonte sous l'action du vérin 129. Le bras se rétracte et revient prendre sa position d'attente visible en figure 4D pour recevoir un nouveau connecteur pendant que le circuit souple 40 est amené sur les palettes pour permettre l'opération de sertissage.As shown in FIG. 4B, the arm is moved horizontally and extends forwardly by sliding the connector on a belt 130 to the crimping station. A not shown holding device then holds the connector while the arm rises under the action of the cylinder 129. The arm retracts and returns to its standby position visible in Figure 4D to receive a new connector while the flexible circuit 40 is brought on the pallets to allow the crimping operation.

Claims (6)

  1. Device for supplying connector modules between two stations processing these modules, the supply device comprising a comb (101) arranged at the end of an arm (102) which is itself joined to a manoeuvring device (103), the comb comprising strips (104) for holding and realigning palettes (13) joined to contacts (10), the comb driving the modules between the processing stations.
  2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a module-supporting mat on which the modules slide.
  3. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an additional module-driving mat.
  4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the comb (101) is inserted into a clearance window of a contact crimping area (10) through a shutter (28) of the module (20).
  5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device for separating connector modules (20) from a carrier tape (60).
  6. Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the separation device comprises a cutting tool (127) cutting tabs (32, 33) securing the connector modules (20) on the carrier tape (60).
EP02001087A 2001-01-23 2002-01-22 Device for feeding connectors and crimping station comprising such device Expired - Lifetime EP1225661B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0101182 2001-01-23
FR0101182A FR2820601A1 (en) 2001-01-23 2001-01-23 CONNECTOR FEEDING DEVICE AND CRIMPING STATION PROVIDED WITH SUCH A DEVICE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1225661A1 EP1225661A1 (en) 2002-07-24
EP1225661B1 true EP1225661B1 (en) 2007-08-15

Family

ID=8859360

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP02001087A Expired - Lifetime EP1225661B1 (en) 2001-01-23 2002-01-22 Device for feeding connectors and crimping station comprising such device

Country Status (7)

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US (1) US6675466B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1225661B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE370537T1 (en)
DE (1) DE60221723T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2291384T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2820601A1 (en)
IT (1) ITTO20010405A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1708309A1 (en) * 2005-03-30 2006-10-04 Helianthos B.V. Method of providing a wire connector contact to a piece of foil and assembly of foil and connector contact
DE102008049021B4 (en) * 2008-09-25 2013-10-24 Schäfer Werkzeug- und Sondermaschinenbau GmbH crimping machine

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB690782A (en) * 1951-06-13 1953-04-29 Electric Terminal Corp Machine for attaching metallic terminals to metallic wire
GB915566A (en) * 1960-08-10 1963-01-16 Amp Inc Improvements in method of, and machines for, applying electrical connectors
US3697925A (en) * 1970-07-22 1972-10-10 Amp Inc Termination means for flat cable
US4235015A (en) * 1979-02-16 1980-11-25 Molex Incorporated Electrical harness fabrication method and apparatus
US4392301A (en) * 1981-06-01 1983-07-12 Western Electric Company, Inc. Device for inserting and removing circuit modules with multiple leads
US4583287A (en) * 1985-07-12 1986-04-22 Augat Inc. Combination insertion-extraction tool for integrated circuits
BR8701399A (en) * 1986-04-03 1988-01-05 Du Pont CONTACT STRIP AND PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF A ROW OF EDGE CLAMP CONNECTORS, OR OF A SINGLE EDGE CLAMP CONNECTOR
US5100342A (en) * 1990-03-30 1992-03-31 Amp Incorporated High density flat cable connector
NL9001406A (en) * 1990-06-20 1992-01-16 Du Pont Nederland INSULATION CUTTING CONNECTOR WITH CLIP LIP AND TOOLS FOR BENDING.

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1225661A1 (en) 2002-07-24
FR2820601A1 (en) 2002-08-09
US20020129493A1 (en) 2002-09-19
DE60221723D1 (en) 2007-09-27
ITTO20010405A1 (en) 2002-10-27
ES2291384T3 (en) 2008-03-01
US6675466B2 (en) 2004-01-13
DE60221723T2 (en) 2008-06-05
ITTO20010405A0 (en) 2001-04-27
ATE370537T1 (en) 2007-09-15

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