Device for positioning cable and connector during soldering

#1. Field of the Invention

#The invention relates to the field of positioning devices, and more particularly, to a device for positioning a cable end and an associated connector during inductive heat soldering of the cable to the connector.

#2. Prior Art

#There are shown in the drawings the embodiments of the invention that are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

#FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a device for positioning a cable and connector according to the invention, shown in an open position.

#FIG. 2 is a front view of the device for positioning a cable and connector shown in an open position, a cable and connector being disposed preliminary to closing the device.

#A device for positioning a cable end and an associated connector as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a housing 10 which may have any configuration suitable for supporting the operative elements of the device and for isolating electrical components as hereinafter described. The housing 10 includes a pair of terminals 12 and 14 which are connectable to a source of radio frequency alternating current (not shown) such as a frequency of 13.56 MHz. An apparatus for generating such a current is made by Metcal, Inc., of Menlo Park, Calif. and is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,626,767. The RF current generating apparatus may be enclosed within the housing 10 or may be housed in a separate enclosure and electrically connected to the pair of terminals 12, 14 by suitable wiring. The housing 10 includes a start button 72 which is operably connected to an electronic control circuit (not shown) within the housing 10. Pressing the start button 72 sends a start signal from the control circuit to the RF current source, thereby energizing the current source to produce an RF current which is conducted through a cable to the terminal 14. An indicator light 82 associated with the start button 72 glows whenever the RF current source is electrically energized.

#An electrical conductor assembly shown generally as 30 is operable to electrically connect the pair of terminals 12, 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the electrical conductor assembly includes a first electrically conductive contact bar 32 immovably connected to the terminal 14. In a preferred embodiment the terminal 14 comprises a threaded fastener having a head 94. The threaded fastener extends through an aperture in the first contact bar 32 and is threadedly secured to the housing 10 such that the first contact bar is secured beneath the head 94. A second electrically conductive contact bar 34 is slidable between first and second positions so as to make or break an electrical connection between the pair of terminals 12, 14. In the first position as shown in FIG. 1, the second contact bar 34 is retracted a distance from the first contact bar 32, and the terminals 12, 14 are electrically disconnected. In the preferred embodiment shown, a third electrically conductive contact bar 36 is immovably connected to the terminal 12. The first contact bar 32 and the third contact bar 36 are spaced a small distance apart so that there is no electrical connection between them. An insulating plastic film may be disposed on opposing faces of the contact bars 32, 34, 36 to further ensure against electrical connection of the contact bars except at defined contact areas to be described hereinbelow. The contact bars 32, 34, 36 are made from a metal having high electrical conductivity, preferably copper.

#As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the first contact bar defines contact end 54, and the second contact bar defines contact ends 56 and 58. Referring now to FIG. 3 wherein the second contact bar 34 is in the second position, the contact ends 54 and 56 are in abutting engagement such that the first and second contact bars 32, 34 are electrically connected. The contact end 58 is in abutting engagement with a contact end 62 of the third contact bar 36 such that the second and third contact bars 34, 36 are electrically connected, thereby completing an electrical conduction path between the terminals 12 and 14. The second contact bar is guided by slide cap 41 and slide guide 45 for transverse sliding movement between the first and second positions so that there is no pivoting of any component along the conduction path. Although the third contact bar 36 is disclosed, the second contact bar 34 could be configured such that the contact end 58 abuts directly against the terminal 12, thereby making the third contact bar dispensable. By utilizing both the second and third contact bars, applicant has been able to configure the conductor assembly such that the contact ends 58, 62 are disposed along sides of the second and third contact bars at a minimal distance from the contact bar 32, thereby advantageously utilizing current flow surface effects in the second and third contact bars.