US 4,281,442 A · Apparatus for applying connectors to multiconductor flat cable

Abstract

Apparatus for applying connectors to multiconductor electrical flat cable includes a motorized cable feed mechanism for feeding predetermined lengths of cable past a power actuated cable cutter to a connector applying position. Power operated cable clamps are disposed on opposite sides of the connector applying position and are movable in the cable feeding direction to precisely locate the leading or trailing end of the cable at the connector applying position. Connector body and cover magazines are disposed adjacent to the connector applying position. A movable connector holding member includes spring biased jaws for releasably holding a connector body and cover spaced apart on opposite sides of a cable insertion slot. The connector holding member is moved from a connector loading position to the connector applying position wherein power actuated retractable rams are operable to apply a connector to a predetermined length of cable. The connector holding member may be rotated after connector parts are placed on the connector holding member to invert a connector with respect to the cable and other connectors applied to the cable.

Claims28

Dependent claims

Apparatus for applying a two-part electrical connector to flat multiconductor cable comprising;

a frame;
a cable feed mechanism disposed on said frame and operable to feed a predetermined length of cable along a predetermined path on said frame;
connector holding means disposed on said frame for holding said connector parts spaced apart one part from the other, said connector holding means being operable to be moved between a first position for receiving said connector parts and a second position adjacent to said path so that said connector parts are disposed on opposite sides of said cable;
and
means on said frame for engaging said connector parts in said second position of said connector holding means and moving said connector parts to apply said connector to said cable.

2 more elements

Apparatus for applying a two-part electrical connector to flat multiconductor cable comprising:

a frame;
a cable feed mechanism disposed on said frame and operable to feed a predetermined length of cable along a predetermined path on said frame;
magazine means disposed on said frame for holding a plurality of each of said connector parts;
connector holding means disposed on said frame comprising a holding member for holding said connector parts spaced apart, one part from the other, said holding member being movable between a first position for receiving at least one of each of said connector parts from said magazine means and a second position wherein said connector parts are disposed on opposite sides of said cable;
means disposed on said frame for transferring said connector parts from said magazine means to said connector holding means prior to application of a connector to said cable;
and
means for engaging and moving said connector parts toward each other in said second position of said holding member to apply said connector to said cable.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for applying connectors to multiconductor flat cable

Life of this patent

Apparatus for applying connectors to multiconductor flat cable

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28