# US 10,121,239 B2 · Method of assembling an electric equipment having a first connector and a second connector > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,121,239 B2 - Document ID: US10121239B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/997,161 - Filed: 2016-01-15 - Published: 2016-05-12 - Granted: 2018-11-06 - Earliest claimed: 2012-02-24 - Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba - Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba - Inventors: Hirofumi Kurita; Noriyasu Kashima; Tomohiro Shimamoto - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10121239B2 ## CPC - G06T 7/001: {using an image reference approach} - H01R 12/7076: {for connection between PCB and component, e.g. display} - H01R 25/00: Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits (supported only by co-operation with a counterpart H01R31/00; with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/88) - H01R 43/26: for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device (structural association with two-part coupling device H01R13/629) - H04N 7/18: Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast - H04N 7/183: {for receiving images from a single remote source} - H04N 23/56: provided with illuminating means - H01R 13/6272: {comprising a single latching arm} - Y10T 29/49004: including measuring or testing of device or component part - G06T: IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL - H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract According to one embodiment, one of two connectors, and a circuit board on which the other of the connectors is mounted are prepared. The one of the connectors has an engagement portion. The other of the connectors has an elastically deformable engagement detent. The engagement detent can go over the engagement portion and be engaged with the engagement portion. One of the connectors is fitted to the other of the connectors. A portion of the electric equipment is imaged by a camera. A piece of data which changes is measured from an obtained picture image. A deformation of the engagement detent occurs with going-up of the engagement detent onto the engagement portion. Whether or not the connectors are properly fitted is determined. Fitting of the connectors is performed again when it is determined that the connectors are not properly fitted. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method of inspecting a fitting state of a product, said product made by fitting an engagement portion of a first connector with an elastically deformable engagement detent of a second connector, the second connector including a connector main body on which the engagement detent is formed, the engagement detent being capable of going over the engagement portion and being engaged with the engagement portion through fitting, the method comprising: preparing the product made by the fitting; imaging by a camera at least a portion of the engagement detent of the second connector; measuring the deformation of the engagement detent from a picture image obtained by the imaging; and comparing the measured deformation of the engagement detent with predetermined reference data and determining whether or not the first connector and the second connector are properly fitted based on a result of the comparison. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the first connector has a first body and engagement portions including the engagement portion which are provided in the first connector and oppose with each other, the second connector has a second body and engagement detents including the engagement detent which are provided in the second body and oppose with each other, and the measured deformation is a length dimension from one to the other of the opposing engagement detents. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The method according to claim 2, wherein the engagement detents are provided at side portions of the second body, respectively. ### Claim 4 (depends on 2) The method according to claim 2, wherein the imaging by the camera, the measurement deformation, and the determination of the fitting state of the first connector and the second connector are automatically performed. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the second connector has a body, the engagement detent is supported by a portion of the body, and the measured deformation corresponds to a size of a reflection region of a light which is reflected on an upper surface of a portion of the engagement detent exposed outside from the first connector. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The method according to claim 5, wherein the engagement detent is provided on an upper surface portion of the body, respectively. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The method according to claim 5, wherein the imaging by the camera, the measurement of the deformation, and the determination of the fitting state of the first connector and the second connector are automatically performed. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein, before imaging at least a portion the engagement detent, pattern matching between a piece of pattern data of a shape of the first connector or the second connector, and a piece of data of a picture image obtained by imaging using the camera is performed, and a position for performing the measurement is determined. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the first connector or the second connector connects electric wirings or optical interconnections. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The method according to claim 1, wherein the imaging by the camera, the measurement of the deformation, and the determination of the fitting state of the first connector and the second connector are automatically performed.