Patent ID: 6157197
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An auto-lock type continuity test unit, comprising:a connector receiving member that receives a connector housing having terminal fittings, said connector housing being slid in a first direction through an opening in said connector receiving member to become a test object, the connector housing being automatically held in said connector receiving member upon insertion of the connector housing into said connector receiving member during a testing operation;a test area that contains probe pins for continuity testing of the terminal fittings, said probe pins being selectively inserted into the connector receiving member to engage with the terminal fittings; anda connecting mechanism associated with said connector receiving member that selectively shifts, in a second direction different than said first direction, to a connected state for connecting said connector housing inserted into said connector receiving member and to a released state to permit removal of the connector housing from the connector receiving member;a driving mechanism capable of relatively shifting said connector receiving member and said testing area between an engaged condition and a separated condition; anda control mechanism which, upon insertion of the connector housing into said connector receiving area, controls said driving mechanism in such a manner that both said connector receiving member and said test area automatically shift to said engaging condition and both said connector housing receiving member and said test area shift to said separated condition after a predetermined time period.